Industrial

HOUSTON-A valve manufacturer and a tire supplier have found new warehouse spots in the city. The two deals total 17,997 sf in the ongoing race for Houston's industrial space. Nutron heads to northwest Houston and Big State Tire goes to a northern suburb.

AUSTIN-Research and development in Austin might have to take a back seat to logistics and distribution in a few years. Lots of land and proponents hope to turn the corridor into an L&D hub, a potential bolstered by cargo capability expansion at the airport.

ROUND ROCK, TX-American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is in the expansion mode, opening four warehouse operations in nine months and expanding two. The promise of new markets and desire to be closer to clients' projects spark the drive.

WALTHAM, MA-Polaroid Corp. sells its 56-acre campus here to the Davis Companies in a joint venture with Prudential Real Estate Advisors. The embattled instant photography company has been struggling to reduce its debt.

CHICAGO- Columbus, OH-based Pizzuti Cos. vice president of sales and leasing Bill Baumgardner says "The activity is very strong with the big-box users -- 500,000-sf or more...the quality of the companies looking has been very good.

QUINCY, MA-Massachusetts Heavy Industries' latest financial scheme to gain control of the Fore River Shipyard here is coming under scrutiny. The bankrupt company needs to raise $55 million to be able to get another chance to revive the shipyard.

ST. PAUL, MN-A proposed property tax overhaul also would simplify and reduce the state's complex commercial-industrial property tax system. The plan also would restructure the corporate income tax.

SUN VALLEY, CA-Triscenic Production Services pays privately held LJK Properties $2.2 million for a 35,100-sf industrial project in this LA suburb. The building contains 5,200-sf of office space.