Menards plans $28M plant in Williams Co.

Holiday City marking 20th anniversary with 85-90 new jobs

An expansion project is being planned by Menard, Inc. in proximity to its large distribution center located in Holiday City in Williams County. The company is planning to construct a new building adjacent to its current facility in order to install a production line to manufacture interior and exterior pre-hung doors.

The project is expected to provide 85 to 90 new jobs to the facility and over $3 million of new payroll. Current employment at the Holiday City facility is approximately 800.

Investment in the new building and production equipment was originally estimated at $28 million; however, the exact costs have not yet been finalized. Construction has been planned to start in early summer and the facility is expected to be completed sometime in the spring of 2018.

Toledo Business Journal interviewed Menard, Inc.’s Jeff Abbott, a company spokesperson concerning the decision to build this new facility in Williams County. “We’ve been good citizens since we opened this facility back in 2007 and thought it made good sense to build this manufacturing plant next to our distribution center,” stated Abbott.

In April, the Williams County Commissioners approved a 15-year, 100% Enterprise Zone tax abatement (EZA) for the company. A $200,000 economic development grant has been offered by JobsOhio. In addition, both the State of Ohio and Williams County will provide resources for road construction needed by the business.

Upgrades are planned for the entrance road to Menards, Traxler Drive, which has experienced significant traffic and is in need of repairs, are being included as part of the current new investment project.

Menards store in Holland, Ohio

Menards store in Holland, Ohio

“We are pleased that Menards recognizes the logistical advantages and supportive community that makes Williams County a desired place to further grow. We welcome their investment and will work to maintain the environment that facilitates their continued success in the region,” stated Matt Davis, executive director, Williams County Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO).

“We like to see Menards taking on more people and increasing their growth. We are very pleased about this new project. We have expected that Menards will have over 1,000 jobs in Holiday City at some point. This helps the overall economy in the county,” stated Sean Rupp, board member, Williams County Economic Development Corporation.

Menards is also planning a number of major remodeling projects at selected stores. In northwest Ohio, remodelx projects are planned at the Sandusky store located at 1101 Lakecrest Parkway and at the Holland store at 7001 Orchard Centre Road. The company has been accepting contractor bids for work at these stores through Troy Anderson in the company’s store planning department.

In addition, the company will be investing in a number of new stores. “In 2018, we plan to open two new stores in Michigan and one new store in Ohio,” Abbott shared.

History

Menards began construction of its large Holiday City facility in 2006 on a 640-acre site close to Exit 13 on the Ohio Turnpike. The company completed construction of the 700,000 square foot facility in 2007. At the time, the State of Ohio provided roadwork funding of approximately $1 million. The facility provided over 200 new jobs after it opened.

In 2011, Menards initiated another expansion of the facility. This project provided over 350 new jobs and over $8 million of new payroll dollars.

In addition to Holiday City, the company has distribution centers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Plano, Illinois; and Shelby, Iowa. Menards has 23 retail stores in Ohio, 26 in Michigan, and 35 stores in Indiana.

Holiday City

2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of Holiday City. The community has approximately 34 residents; however, the businesses located within its boundaries employ an estimated 1,500 workers. Rupp, one of Holiday City’s founders, stated, “The community has experienced phenomenal growth. We started with Chase Brass and over the years they have done a number of investments and expansions. 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics has also grown and expanded during this time. Menards followed with a major commitment and continues to grow. Holiday City has been a very successful story.”