Amware Distribution expands into community

Elyria City Council’s Community Development Committee voted May 14 to allow Amware Distribution Warehouses to continue its growth in Lorain County.

The national distributor of products and warehouse company has looked to expand from its surrounding Cleveland area locations, according to Brad Mullins, Amware’s chief operating officer.

Mullins said the company’s expansion in Lorain County will create easier access to clients.

In April, Amware found a home for a new facility on Mallard Run in Sheffield Village.

Now, the company will have two facilities of their own in Elyria.

The Community Development committee approved the company for an Enterprize Zone Tax Abatement Agreement to make way at the former Riddell facility, 669 Sugar Lane.

Amware also is looking to take over the former 3M building at 1301 Lowell St., but the committee will not vote on the abatement agreement until later this month.

Mullins said the company is growing between its locations at Brook Park and Westlake.

Amware needed more space for inventory due to its increase of clients, he said.

Elyria is centrally located and the area is convenient with transportation from the Ohio Turnpike, state Route 2 and other surrounding highways that all are in reach to ship freight, Mullins said.

“We were looking for the easiest access of the buildings which were available,” he said. “There’s not a lot of industrial space that’s available right now, anywhere.”

Mayor Holly Brinda said Amware is an exciting development for the city.

Brinda and Mullins said the company is growing and investing.

Amware is leasing each Elyria location to get a head-start on production, but will purchase each facility after the tax abatements are passed, Mullins said.

Each location will have a 10-year, 75 percent abatement and are looking to hire five full-time and 20 part-time positions at both facilities within the next year.

According to Amware’s website, the company can reach over 80 percent of America’s domestic and foreign export market population within 500 miles.

“We’re excited,” Mullins said. “I’m excited to be doing things in Lorain County.

“Most of my career has been working outside (of Ohio markets). I’m really excited for what’s coming back to Lorain County and getting starting in Sheffield and Elyria to see where they improve.”

In other news, Council’s Finance Committee reduced the cost of plan review fees by 50 percent to assist the Elyria School District with the construction of its new schools.

According to the committee, the district will only be charged for the re-submission of plans.

At-Large Councilman Jack Baird made a motion to assist the district in a 50 percent deduction of plan review fees and building permit fees.

Also, a request to waive all re-inspection fees was made.

The matter to help the school district by making a deduction has been discussed for multiple weeks.

The plan to cut costs was discussed at the last Finance Meeting on April 30 and led to a bit of confusion and debate.

During the May 14 meeting, members were more clear and on board with the plan.

Ward 5 Councilman Marcus Madison thanked the committee for helping the city and district move forward.

Baird said he was glad that everyone came together on the decision.

He recognized Brinda for putting the plan together and through the help of the committee, they were able to properly adjust it for the city and the school district.

“(We) did a good job to move forward for our city and schools,” Baird said.