Watts Radiant closes in on land option

Watts Radiant owners Dan and Mike Chiles had an option to buy the land at $32,900 an acre according to City Utilities Associate General Manager Karl Plumpe, who also provides administrative support for PIC.

Springfield's Partnership for Economic Development, run by CU, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Springfield, Greene County and Springfield Business & Development Corp., manages PIC activity.

The deal bears significance as the land is the last undeveloped parcel, and its sale would shift the management of the industrial center near Kearney Street and Highway 65 to landowners.

“When that happens, it'll be big news because that's the last piece of property that's developable at that park,” said Greg Williams, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's economic development director. “That will dissolve the administrative council of Partnership Industrial Center, and operations of that park will then be the responsibility of the owners' association.”

The owners' association, to be formed once the final purchase is complete, will be run by trustees who make decisions about property upkeep and maintenance.

Watts Radiant co-owner Dan Chiles said the heating systems manufacturer would either expand its 150,000-square-foot, 160-employee facility or “provide land and perhaps a building for another group of manufacturers here in Springfield.” Negotiations are ongoing, Chiles said.

Watts Radiant currently owns 24 acres at 4500 E. Progress Place.

Diesel Exchange made the last purchase at the center in September, acquiring the lot adjacent to its 3811 E. Kearney facility. The company now owns 8.9 acres of land at the industrial park but has no definite plans for expansion, said President Steve Hendrick.

New construction is under way for a $2 million, 45,000-square-foot Springfield Striping & Sealing facility at 3809 E. Energy Place, next to Diesel Exchange's property. Striping & Sealing Owner Joe Manzardo said it should be complete by early May.

PIC West activity

Plans also are in the works for expansion at PIC West, near Kearney and Interstate 44.

Stamina Products partner Bob McBride said his company, which currently has an 80,000-square-foot building on eight acres at the west center, has plans to expand.

McBride said that the facility, built in 2002, took into account possible future expansion.

“We're looking at either expanding on (the land) we have or buying additional property and expanding that way,” he said. “I don't think we really know which direction we're going to go at this point.”

Plans for the 40,000- to 50,000-square-foot addition are in response to a need for increased production capabilities for the company, which manufactures exercise equipment.

McBride said the company employs 40 to 50 - the number fluctuates by season - and the addition could add a handful of new workers.

In the meantime, the company is leasing extra space in a building across Kearney owned by John Bayless.

In addition to Stamina Products, PIC West has two other tenants: Cabinets by RKC and Executive Coach Builders. Also, a 75,000-square-foot spec building owned by Columbia attorney Bruce Beckett under Springfield Industrial Properties LLC is available for lease.

Meanwhile, Springfield mechanical contractor Gold Mechanical plans to build at PIC West once the city extends Alliance Street north of Division.