BUDC’s board of director’s gave final approval to a letter of intent that entitles Sonwil to 54 acres of land where they will build the rail-served distribution center.
“Sonwil’s decision to build in Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park reaffirms the value of my administration’s economic development strategy to prepare shovel ready land,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “Our goal is to have many more shovel ready sites on line so that we have many more opportunities to invest in our City for the future.”
The land Sonwil will occupy was obtained by BUDC from CSX railroad, the MBBA (Sherland Incorporated), and also includes a portion of parcels formerly owned by Herbert Darling. Significant growth in new business drove Sonwil’s decision to build the new facility. If the current pace of growth continues, the company anticipates building a second facility of similar size adjacent to the new structure, perhaps within the next three years.
In addition to their primary business of development and distribution, Sonwil also provides transportation brokerage services, logistics technology support, and other value-adding services to its clients. “The site’s strategic location, advanced design, and sophisticated technology, will add tremendous value to our client
relationships. We want our clients to feel comfortable that they are working with a partner who can meet their customers’ evolving needs. They can rely on us to deliver on our promises and help them achieve optimum profitability,” stated company president, Stuart Wilson. This initiative is further indication of Sonwil’s long-term goals for expansion and its commitment to the growth of the local and regional economy.
Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park is one of the regions most notable and successful Brownfield reclamation projects, and it is also located in a New York State Empire Zone. As a consequence Sonwil will be eligible to apply for both Brownfield Tax Credits through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Empire Zone incentives through the Buffalo Empire Zone, a designation granted through Empire State Development Corporation.
A number of Economic Development partners either came together to assist in the project, or could play a role in the future should Sonwil decide to pursue some of their programs. New York State has committed $5 million to the expansion of Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park, which will in part be used for the extension of the access road and utility infrastructure. The new building, designed by Silvestri Architects, will be an energy efficient, LEED certified building that will also enable Sonwil to pursue incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Thomas A. Kucharski, President & CEO of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, the region’s primary marketing and economic development agency, praised the announcement as a great example of cooperation and a promising sign for future development at the park.
“The vision provided by BUDC and Mayor Brown’s administration in working on the continued development of shovel ready land at Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park has been critical to the ability to attract investment within the city limits”, said Kucharski. He also noted how quickly and effectively economic development partners have been able to market and fill space as it becomes available. “BUDC’s effort on this project and the willingness of all partners to interact cooperatively towards a common goal is a great example of how our economic development service delivery system should work on behalf of private sector companies”, Kucharski concluded.
Sonwil Distribution Center, Inc. is a family-owned public warehousing and distribution company serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Based in Western New York for over 65 years, Sonwil provides reliable logistics solutions that free its customers from the overhead expenses and management issues related to private facility ownership. The company’s headquarters and warehouse operations are strategically located adjacent to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Sonwil Distribution Center, Inc. is an active and long standing member of the International Warehouse Logistics Association.
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