PHOENIX—As previously reported on GlobeSt.com, Benson Industries took a 93,489-square-foot lease at Durango Commerce Center in Phoenix. The deal represents one of the largest industrial lease transactions in Phoenix's Southwest Valley submarket this year. It also brought the 670,000-square-foot, two-building Durango Corporate Center to 91 percent occupied and located Benson Industries into its first-ever Arizona address.
Portland-based Benson Industries manufactures curtain wall systems for skyscrapers and other commercial structures. Just one of their latest projects includes the exterior shell and glass for One World Trade Center in New York City. Benson will use its new Phoenix location for manufacturing, assembly and distribution. Benson initially expects to employ 35-45 people.
JLL executive vice president Pat Harlan, who represented building owner Clarion Partners tells GlobeSt.com there were other states under consideration. But Arizona is winning big in some arenas as many California companies are setting up shop here. The business-friendly environment, climate, labor rates and overall quality of life are just some of the aspects that have California companies considering planting a flag in the Copper State.
“Benson mad the decision to locate their assembly process elsewhere and Arizona was a great fit,” says Harlan. “Durango Commerce Center is highly functional for distribution, clear height, truck maneuverability and corporate image. And Arizona has a better business environment; our labor rates our lower, that's a critical factor. If you need to establish a flag and make things, Arizona is superior to California. From a purely distributional standpoint, California wins because it has the ports.”
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