For Immediate Release
For More Information:
Carolyn Casey
Communications Manager
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
[Bellingham, Wash.] Stork Craft (USA) signed a four year lease with the Port of Bellingham today, extending the term of their lease for a large portion the former Georgia Pacific tissue warehouse through June of 2014.
"I see Stork Craft as a good addition to our community," said Commission President Scott Walker. "It is a great benefit to our local economy to have the largest baby furniture manufacturer in the world put down roots here and create local jobs for local people."
Stork Craft signed its first lease on the former GP warehouse in July of 2008, and moved its US headquarters from Las Vegas to Bellingham earlier this summer. Currently, 17 people work in the warehouse, up from an initial three employees one year ago. This lease extension allows Stork Craft the ability to grow the company and expand their employment base in anticipation of being in Whatcom County for many years into the future.
"Bellingham has really worked for us. The warehouse operation is the most efficient facility we have and its close proximity to our world headquarters in Richmond, BC has been an excellent mix," said Jim Moore, President and CEO of Stork Craft. "We have hired a local Bellingham businessman as our new General Manager for Stork Craft (USA); he will head up our new US headquarters in Bellingham and commence the transition of our parts department from Canada and our administrative office from Las Vegas. This will result in about an additional compliment of 10 staff."
Stork Craft's interim use of a portion of the warehouse will offset some of The Waterfront District redevelopment costs while site planning and early development work continue. A different section of the warehouse will house the Waterfront Innovation Zone: Technology Development Center starting this fall, with dedicated space for both Western Washington University and Bellingham Technical College to conduct applied research and technical training.
The Port will celebrate the grand opening of the Center with a dedication ceremony conducted by Gov. Chris Gregoire at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.
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