Somers---A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday for a $40 million facility that'll serve as the main warehouse and distribution center for Ariens Company, a firm that makes snow blowers and lawn care equipment.
The building--located just off of Highway 142 west of the tracks--covers 40 acres.
"This may look like a warehouse to many of you but it's the kind of thing that guys like me in supply chain get very excited about," said James Merwin, VP of Global Supply Chain for Ariens, a privately-held company that's based in Brillion, WI.
The new center consolidates four existing Ariens warehouse operations, and will hold for distribution virtually all Ariens-made products, including Gravely brand utility vehicles. Part of the distribution center will be devoted to parts and accessories.
The building just started accepting truck-loads of products from its manufacturing facilities in Brillion and in Auburn, NE. In addition, the four warehouses targeted for closure are being emptied with the contents transferred to Somers.
When fully operational, the Somers operation will be staffed by 35 workers, Merwin said.
The building was built by First Industrial, and is being leased to Ariens.
Another warehouse--just as large--is going up across the street. First Industrial is looking to sign a tenant for that building.
-0-