The company, which manufactures a wide range of kitchen and bath products, will consolidate the distribution operations of three facilities in San Antonio into Intermodal I at 800 E. Wintergreen Rd. The building, which will be 100 percent occupied by American Standard, will be used as a distribution warehouse for the south and central regions of the United States.

American Standard decided to relocate its operations because San Antonio didn't have any available large spaces, according to Dave Anderson, an executive vice president with CB Richard Ellis' Dallas office who represented American Standard. "The Dallas area provided American Standard the ability to consolidate under one roof the three distribution spaces they had in San Antonio, which created operational efficiencies as well as lower occupancy costs," he explained.

Anderson tells GlobeSt. that the building selection process lasted six to eight months, during which American Standard evaluated nearly every submarket in Dallas/Fort Worth. "The southern sector offered better logistical transportation advantages," he adds.

"Once we saw the benefits that Hutchins offered our company in operating efficiencies, occupancy costs, tax savings and quality of life and decided to relocate, we looked at available space options," says John Orr, vice president of purchasing and strategic sourcing with American Standard, adding that the company evaluated 13 buildings. "Intermodal I's location, size and features met all of our criteria."

Intermodal I gives American Standard immediate access to the Union Pacific Railroad Intermodal Facility and to significant distribution corridors in Dallas' southern sectors including I-45 and I-20, according to Curt Hefner, senior leasing representative in Duke Realty's Dallas office. Moreover, the building's Triple Freeport inventory tax exempt status and location in a Foreign-Trade Zone also benefits the company.

Anderson says the City of Hutchins approved an abatement package for American Standard's relocation. Additionally, the municipality approved tenant improvement construction plans within a few weeks. "The City of Hutchins was very responsive," he contends.

American Standard plans to move to Duke Realty's Intermodal I in early June.