Mid America Metals moving to Ozark

Last edited 4:10 p.m., Oct. 8, 2014

After nearly 30 years in Forsyth, Mid America Metals is moving to Ozark.

The owner of the company, which refinishes architectural wood, stone and metal surfaces for local, regional and national clients, expects to move into Mid America’s new headquarters at 1567 W. Diane St. in Ozark by Dec. 1. Owner Dale Donat said the business is buying the 6,600-square-foot, single-level office space for over $500,000 and should close on the property by Thanksgiving.

Donat, who lives in Ozark, said he bought the family business from siblings four years ago, which freed him up to make this move.

“We love where we live, and after 30 years of traveling down to Forsyth, I thought I’d rather spend 10 minutes on the road instead of 30 minutes on the road,” Donat said, adding the size and layout of the building also were key considerations.

Mid America’s current headquarters at 4886 U.S. Highway 160 are about 3,600 square feet spread over two stories.

“It’s going to be a nicer building, a bigger building. It’s going to be conducive to our needs," Donat said. "The Forsyth building is on two levels, so you have people upstairs and downstairs, and that’s not the greatest set up.”

While Mid America has 97 employees companywide, Donat said only 11 work out of its headquarters and most of those live in Branson or Hollister with easy access to U.S. 65, so commutes shouldn’t be considerably different for workers.

The move also opens the business up to Springfield's larger talent pool, Donat said, adding he plans to hire an executive assistant after the transition.

“A lot of people wouldn’t want to drive to Forsyth from Springfield every day. Now, in Ozark, it’s a good in between, so it opens up both worlds,” he said.

Over the years, the company has served clients including Highland Springs Country Club, the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors, the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Daytona International Speedway in Florida and Bank of America's headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Its 2013 revenue was roughly $10 million last year, up from $8 million in 2010.