Teamwork attracts new business

From the Hazelwood-Bridgeton Journal: Last modified: Tuesday, December 4, 2007 4:01 PM CST
By Scott Bandle

When Sunoco's Matrix Packaging Unit opens for business in 2008 at the Lindbergh Distribution Center in Hazelwood, it will be the result of a team effort.

The city joined forces with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the St. Louis County Economic Council and the Regional Chamber and Growth Association to attract the new factory.

The state first contacted the RCGA, looking for the space. The RCGA then contacted the county.

"The (economic council) first brought this to us," said David Cox, economic developer for Hazelwood. "Matrix went to them, saying they were looking for a place to open a factory. They looked around and found us."

Matrix will open a plastic container factory in the distribution center at McDonnell and Lindbergh boulevards. The 150,000-square-foot plant will generate about $14.9 million in new investment. It initially will employ about 75 people.

"They hope to double the number of employees after it starts operations," Cox said.

The unit will make plastic bottles for Proctor & Gamble to be used for household chemicals and personal care items.

The packaging unit is the first business inside the distribution center, owned by Duke Realty. The center contains 525,000 square feet.

"There are special industries that can move right in," Cox said. "However, others need special permits, like this factory."

The building itself is hollow. However, walls, electrical sockets and other necessary items are being installed, said Jon Hinds, vice president of industrial leasing for Duke Realty.

Most of the necessary paperwork is complete. The unit is expected to move into the center Dec. 15, he said.

"This whole thing actually happened pretty quickly," Hinds said. "Matrix was looking for the space and it was available. Whenever you get that many jobs, it's good for the whole area."

Now that Matrix is moving in, Duke Realty and the city are hoping it will attract more businesses.

As for Hazelwood, marketing the city's resources is a large part of attracting businesses, Cox said.

"We have to let people know the site is here," he said. "Businesses need to know what's available."