Graphics firm's growth spurs move to Glenstone

Owners Linda and Ken Walker have the 40,000-square-foot building at 836 N. Glenstone Ave. under contract and renovations are ongoing. The sale is expected to close Dec. 31, but details of the transaction weren’t disclosed.

The vast complex – owned by the family that once operated Montgomery GMC dealership at the site – was most recently occupied by George & Joann’s Collectibles & Antique Mall, which moved to 555 S. Kansas Expressway in August after nearly five years at the spot.

Founded in 1991, Springfield-based Transport Graphics uses sophisticated digital technology to produce graphic advertising, primarily vinyl vehicle wraps. The company also does custom packages for sports cars and pickups and offers short-run printing.

The burgeoning business has been housed at 1401 E. Trafficway for 16 years and currently occupies 9,000 square feet of leased space there, Ken Walker said.

“The building used to have several other tenants in it, and we’ve just continually grown till we’ve pushed them all out, and now we’ve got the whole property,” he said.

The company, which has a staff of nearly 20, has been looking to expand for at least five years and the North Glenstone property was the perfect fit, Walker said.

“We will depend on the visibility of the new location,” he added. “We’re moving to a drive-by location, and I fully expect people to say, ‘I’ll wheel in there and see if I can get something done.’”

Transport Graphics hired Springfield architect Allen Casey to design the company’s new digs, which will include a revamped lobby, high-tech conference room and four extra-wide bays for installation, Walker said. Walton Construction is the general contractor for the renovations, which Walker said would cost between $300,000 and $500,000.

Transport Graphics will be closed the last week of December and reopen at the new location Jan. 2, Walker said.

See SBJ’s Nov. 26 issue for more about Transport Graphics’ new location.