Pittsburg, KS (PRWEB) June 18, 2012
Determined to consolidate all of its Pittsburg operations under one roof and maintain its headquarters here, Jakes Fireworks all but finalized the purchase of the massive, 490,100 square foot Superior Industries building on 48 acres on East 27th Terrace, a move that will keep Jakes Fireworks existing staff employed in their own backyard, and create new jobs in Pittsburg.
The purchase has been a fairly long term labor of love for Jakes Fireworks and City of Pittsburg officials who believe the purchase will provide a positive contribution to Pittsburgs improving business climate. Jakes presented its case to the Citys Economic Development Board June 13 for final approval.
Were very excited about Jakes expansion, they have done everything they could do to keep Jakes Fireworks in Pittsburg, says Mark Turnbull, director of economic development for the city. We couldnt be happier.
Keeping Jakes Pittsburg operations in Pittsburg at a time when its headquarters is bursting at the seams in its current space of about 100,000 square feet makes a strong statement for the Citys business community and economic outlook. Had the Superior Industries purchase fallen through, Jakes Fireworks may have had no choice but to move to another state that could accommodate its growing operations. Jakes opened two new flagship stores in Michigan last month, and will open three new stores in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Van Buren, Arkansas, and Edmond, Oklahoma within the next week.
Moving to an almost 500,000 square foot facility is going to allow us to consolidate all of our operations here in Pittsburg under one roof, says Jason Marietta, retail sales director for Jakes Fireworks. Its very inefficient to work out of multiple locations, which we have to do now because we just dont have the space for all of our operations in our existing home office.
Not too long ago, it looked like Jakes might have to take its operations elsewhere, as negotiations on the Superior buildings purchase hit an impasse. Built in 1990 and upgraded in 2003, the Superior building has remained vacant since Superior Industries closed its local manufacturing operations in December 2008. Jakes entered into discussions with Superior and City officials last year to purchase the building, but those discussions ended in November without a sale.
Jakes reentered negotiations in the spring of 2012, and Marietta says that although some changes and upgrades will need to be made before Jakes moves all of its operations in, the purchase is a win-win for everyone: Jakes will be able to maintain its hometown headquarters, meaning employees will retain their jobs without being forced to relocate. New job creation will serve to strengthen Pittsburgs focus on expanding its growing business community, and the city will no longer be saddled with the empty building that has been up for sale for almost three years.
Their enthusiasm has been remarkable, they are a growing business that originated here in Pittsburg and worked very hard to keep their operations here, Turnbull says. Having Jakes Fireworks stay here reinforces our confidence in Pittsburgs business climate. We feel very good about this.
Marietta says the imminent sale and consolidation of Jakes in one of Pittsburgs most recognized industrial properties is an exciting prospect for this fast growing company.
Moving everything under one roof is definitely going to increase our productivity, he says.
Despite the need for some significant renovations that Jakes Fireworks will need to make before they can begin to move their operations into the Superior building, Marietta says theyre proud to be rescuing and re-purposing a vacant facility right here in Pittsburg.
This is about being true to the City of Pittsburg, and honouring Jakes Fireworks home town, Marietta says. City officials have worked hand-in-hand with us to make this sale happen, and we are extremely appreciative for all of their hard work.
Job creation is certainly an important element in this expansion, but a lot of this is about job retention too, Marietta says. We want to stay in our home town and maintain our existing staff.
The new facility will handle all of Jakes Fireworks product shipments to the Western U.S. outside of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to its warehouse and shipping facilities, the new headquarters will house all of Jakes Fireworks Pittsburg administrative offices.
Jakes Fireworks distribution centers in Wagener, SC, Russelville, KY, Elkhart, IN, Winlock, WA, Athens, TX, Norman, OK, Hastings, NE, and Conway, AR will continue operations business as usual, serving customers throughout the U.S. For more information, visit JakesFireworks.com.
About Jakes Fireworks:
For 60 years, Jakes Fireworks has been a fixture in the Pittsburg, Kansas community and regarded as a leading distributor of wholesale and retail fireworks in the U.S., providing services that include standard distribution of World Class fireworks, private label and bulk container orders. With nine distribution centers and more than 250 retail outlets nationwide, Jakes Fireworks is known in the industry as an innovator in consumer fireworks product development.
Jakes Fireworks is an enthusiastic supporter of fundraising opportunities, operating its retail fireworks locations for individuals and organizations during peak retail fireworks seasons.
For more information, visit the Jakes Fireworks website at JakesFireworks.com.
