Two Global Giants Open Distribution Centers at Belz Industrial Parks in 2008
Memphis will soon become the No. 2 Nike city in the United States when the global athletic shoe and apparel powerhouse opens its 125-acre, one million square-foot distribution center at Belz’ Northridge Industrial Park this summer.
The city will soon also host Smith & Nephew’s largest distribution facility in the world. The orthopedic medical devices manufacturer will open the doors to a new 210,000 square-foot, Class A warehouse/distribution facility this fall at Belz’ Memphis Logistics and Technology Center (MELTECH).
What made the Belz industrial sites a perfect fit for both companies? Northridge Industrial Park and MELTECH are conveniently located at the apex of many air, rail, road and water shipping channels, which is why many refer to the greater Memphis area as “America’s Distribution Center.”
“Memphis’ supreme location and reputation for logistical excellence make it an essential location for some of the world’s best companies,” said Andrew J. Groveman, Senior Vice President of Belz Enterprises. “Industrial parks such as Northridge and MELTECH capitalize on the city’s geography and ensure tenants have everything needed to do business effectively in a state-of-the-art setting.”
A growing number of companies have recognized the geographical benefits of having a facility in Memphis. Anchored by Memphis International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport for the last 15 consecutive years, Memphis is also home to the nation’s third largest rail center and the fourth largest inland port. Global shipping leader Federal Express and International Paper are headquartered here, along with several other Fortune 500 companies, including AutoZone, Inc.
Northridge Industrial Park Just Does It For Nike Inc.
Belz and Nike Inc. penned a contract on 125 acres of land for a new $107-million footwear distribution center, located in the Frayser area of North Memphis, in March 2007.
“Nike is pleased to increase its investment in the Memphis community with this state-of-the-art facility,” said Nick Athanasakos, Vice President of Nike Supply Chain. “This distribution center will be great for our employees, retail customers and consumers, while expediting our time to market.”
Second only to Nike’s flagship facility in Beaverton, Oregon, the Northridge Park site will stimulate the local economy, bringing employees from Nike’s existing facilities in Memphis and Wilsonville, Oregon, and generating new career opportunities internally for those businesses that will benefit from the company’s new site.
“The new facility will give an economic boost to the region, providing 244 jobs, plus the retention of Nike’s existing job base,” said Andrew J. Groveman, Senior Vice President of Belz Enterprises. “The facility will also produce cost efficiencies of more then $200 million, while reducing shipping times and increasing service capabilities. “
The Memphis and Shelby County Industrial Development Board was instrumental in securing the Nike facility at Northridge, approving a payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) freeze that will save Nike $21 million. The agreement was based upon anticipated job creation and the company’s capital investment.
“The collaboration of Belz, Nike, and the city, county and state governments was a winning combination for all involved,” said Groveman.
Combining business, industrial, residential and mixed-use sites, Northridge Industrial Park excels in meeting the needs of its various tenants. The site is conveniently located just north of the I-240 expressway in North Memphis and in close proximity to several ports and logistics hubs.
For more information on Northridge Industrial Park or other Belz properties call 901-260-7300 or visit www.belz.com.
Smith & Nephew Find Total Package with Belz and MELTECH
When medical device manufacturer Smith & Nephew decided to build a new distribution facility, the company was not only looking for land conveniently located near air, ground and rail shipping routes, but also for a company which had the design and construction capabilities to build the new facility.
The search led the company to Belz. The total package offered by Belz influenced Smith & Nephew’s decision to build their new distribution center at MELTECH. Combined with MELTECH’ strategic position, the Belz Architecture & Construction capabilities made the partnership a perfect match.
“This is our largest distribution facility in the world and we have been very pleased to partner with Belz on this project,” Bill Griffin, SVP Global Operations, Smith & Nephew. “This is going to be the world’s premier distribution facility of its kind with a fully automated inventory system and other state-of-the-art amenities.”
Belz Architecture & Construction designed and constructed the new international distribution hub, providing one single source of contact and responsibility for the international distribution facility.
“The turnkey service provided on the design and construction of this facility ultimately reduced the cost of these services for Smith & Nephew and has the increased efficiency in the design/build process,” said Jack Bearden, managing director, Belz Architecture & Construction.
The new center is taller and more modern than the existing Smith & Nephew facility and features climate control for the surgical orthopedic products. The facility also includes a 1,200 square-foot “clean room” designed to eliminate dust particles to avoid contamination of the surgical products. Back-up generators have also been installed in case of a power outage.
The new facility was built to the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) seismic code, making it the first facility of its kind in Memphis built to these new, more restrictive seismic codes.
MELTECH is a 233-acre development area, characterized by attractive building facades and landscaped grounds. The Park includes occupants such as UPS, Vital Records Control, PODS Modular Systems, Fairmont Industries and the local hub for Xtra Lease Intermodal.
For more information on MELTECH call 901-260-7300 or visit www.belz.com.