The new building, which is scheduled to be operation by March, will be the second location in the city for the Connecticut-based company. It will continue to occupy the 390,000 square feet it moved into in 2013 less than six miles away at 1201 Logistics Way in Monroe, in Butler County.
MORE: Online retailer’s massive Monroe expansion to create over 100 new jobs
Blue Buffalo’s Monroe operations distribute pet food to retailers throughout the eastern half of the United States.
The company employs 60 people at its current location. The new facility is expected to generate 20 new jobs.
“It obviously speaks to our strengths, our location within the region and our connectivity to transportation,” Monroe City Manager William Brocktold this media outlet. “We’re lucky to have had the assets in place for them to consider us going forward. Much like us, we like to have these opportunities here in Monroe. We’re a growing city, they’re a growing business and I think we partner together well that way.”
Blue Buffalo routinely supports Monroe projects, including the city’s police K-9 unit, Brock said.
MORE: Amazon confirms Monroe fulfillment site: Here’s what we know now
The company is the second in the past year to locate additional operations in Monroe. Last January, Hayneedle announced that it would maintain operations in 721,000 square feet of space at 1001 Logistics Way while also opening a 994,000-square-foot facility on Gateway Boulevard.
Blue Buffalo’s decision to open in a second location gives both companies a presence in each of the IDI Logistics industrial parks in Monroe – Monroe Logistics Center on Logistics Way and Park North at Monroe on Gateway Boulevard.
“Having two companies locate additional facilities in Monroe in the past year speaks to the strength of the partnership between the companies, the City of Monroe and IDI Logistics,” said Jennifer Patterson, assistant to the city manager. “That partnership is essential to successful growth for everyone.”
Hayneedle and Blue Buffalo aren’t the only major players at the Park North at Monroe. Amazon plans to open a nearly 1.4 million-square-foot fulfillment center at 700 Gateway Boulevard in the third quarter of this year.
Company officials said they were excited with Blue Buffalo’s strategic decision to stay in the Monroe area.
“The Gateway location fit our space requirements and is ideally located for our logistical needs,” said David Kerley, distribution center supervisor. “Additionally, the City of Monroe has been a very good business partner to Blue Buffalo.”
Will Roberson Jr., Blue Buffalo’s director of warehousing and distribution, said the company has found success in partnering with both the city and IDI Logistics in expanding its warehousing and distribution footprint in the Midwest.
About the Author
