CLEVELAND—Princeton, NJ-based Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co., LLC already has an office in Chicago, but the company decided it's time to further expand their operations in the Midwest and has hired Cleveland-based Michelle Comerford as project director and industrial and supply chain practice leader. Specialists in location economics, BLS & Co. provides site selection, land use and economic development services to clients across the country. The firm also advises state and local governments on attracting businesses. Comerford will advise clients on location decisions and incentives strategies, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

“Michelle's deep expertise in the areas of supply chain logistics and advanced manufacturing will further expand our firm's site selection capabilities. As an expert in transportation/logistics cost analysis, she will be a huge asset to our growing Midwest and energy services practice areas – enhancing our ability to serve large-scale industrial projects,” says Jay Biggins, executive managing director of BLS & Co.

Previously, Comerford was managing director of Austin Consulting, the site selection practice within The Austin Company, the US subsidiary of the Japanese construction giant Kajima. She directed clients in evaluating supply chain logistics, location strategy and site selection alternatives. Her clients have included Avon Products, Bimbo Bakeries, Colgate Palmolive, Celebration Foods and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. She currently serves on the board of directors and as secretary for the Site Selectors Guild.