 |
 |
 |
WAXIE cleaning supply company expands in Mesa
Publication: The Arizona Republic ; Date: January 26, 2010
WAXIE isn't exactly a household name. More like a public restroom name.
But now the company is becoming a green name, when it comes to both the environment and Mesa's economy.
The California-based supplier of restroom sanitary supplies is set to dedicate its new $12 million facility in east Mesa, which has brought an estimated 80 new jobs to the Falcon Field area.
In addition, the state-of-the-art building is awaiting LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The 103,000-square-foot building is the first business to pursue silver certification in east Mesa.
"To have the company locate in the Falcon Field area is satisfying," said Bill Jabjiniak, Mesa's economic development director. "When we have 80 new jobs to the Falcon Field district, it certainly does an awful lot to boost Mesa's economy."
Last fall, the staff moved into the new building from its Tempe facility, which was closed and sold.
The new building will also serve as the company's secondary headquarters, said Bob Gattis, the facility's general manger.
Two years ago, the company's primary headquarters was almost a casualty of the wildfire that ravaged San Diego County. He said the family owners wanted to ensure a back-up system as a result.
A building dedication ceremony with city and state officials on Tuesday will be followed by an invitation-only open house the next day. About 800 business customers from all over the Valley are expected to attend, Gattis said.
"WAXIE brings with its move to Mesa a significant tax base in terms of sales tax revenue," Gattis said. He estimates the company will generate an estimated $500,000 in sales tax revenue annually. In addition, the company is already generating even more economic impact as its employees use local suppliers, restaurants, hotels, aviation, and banquet facilities.
Construction of the distinctive building provided 290 jobs, and 37 local companies benefitted from the project, Gattis said.
The company sought to build an eco-friendly building, said Gattis, because it represents the company's efforts in providing sustainable products. The building provides several conference rooms used for monthly business seminars.
Solar and water and energy efficient features are found throughout the entire building. It has energy efficient window glazing that provides natural light, but reduces solar heat gain.
Staff and customers who use alternative transportation have access to bicycle storage, showers and changing rooms, or preferred parking if they drive a low-emission vehicle.
WAXIE entered the Arizona market in 1986, first starting out of a hotel room, until the family rented a 15,000-square-foot-facility in Tempe, said Rick Hazard, vice president of marketing for the company. Since then, the company has grown rapidly along with the Valley. It joins an estimated $23 billion dollar sanitary supply distributing industry, according the International Sanitary Supply Association, a cleaning trade association based in Illinois.
WAXIE's most popular sellers are are sustainable paper dispensers that use recycled paper, hand driers and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
The company employs 700 people with 19 locations in mostly Western states.
It serves 20,000 business customers, with 3,000 of them in Arizona.
"We have seen growth year after year in Arizona," said Hazard. "It's been a nice place to do business and we see the future being right for us. We're optimistic and growing our business and giving (customers) a good reason to buy from us."
| | |
