More Jobs Being Created

SIDNEY—The sight of trains gliding across the plains and tractor-trailers rolling along area highways is a sign of the niche Sidney has carved for itself as a prime logistics hub for the Midwest. From this niche the community has built a foundation that has helped grow and attract businesses to the area. An example of this is the recent announcement by Commercial Resins Company that it has purchased and is relocating Industrial Structures International from Tulsa, Okla., to Sidney.

The relocation of ISI, a riveted aluminum building manufacturer, is currently under way. Ron Carlson, Jr., president of Commercial Resins, said his company’s decision to expand operations in the Sidney’s Sioux Meadows Industrial Park is a direct result of the unique logistic options offered in the area. “Southwest Nebraska just happens to be one of the best railroad service areas in America,” Carlson said. He added that the presence of two major railroad lines, outbound trucking options and ample affordable land and buildings, provides the area an advantage over other locations.

The industrial park includes over 700,000 square feet of indoor storage and 560 acres of outdoor storage, and is serviced by both an over-the-road trucking company and a short-line rail connecting the two major lines.

Carlson said ISI is expected to employ 20 individuals when fully operational. In addition to the relocation of ISI, Carlson said Commercial Resins is expected to increase its workforce up to a total  of 60 employees later this summer to handle its pipe coating operations with an additional 25 to 30 employees handling an expanded pipe threading operation.

Sidney City Manager Gary Person said the industrial park and its access to both rail and trucking options played a integral role in the relocation of Commercial Resins to the Sidney area in 2005 and the recent announcement of ISI’s relocation.

“It’s another example of how that has really become a logistics center that the few places in the Midwest have,” Person said. He added that the recent announcements display the community’s commitment to growth through not only new, but also existing businesses. “You get your foot in the door with a company and give them that opportunity to expand,” Person said. “A lot of it has to do with an atmosphere that embraces business and growth.”

The city manager noted that the success of local companies and the region’s marketing and economic development efforts have raised the profile of the community with companies considering expansion and relocation. “We’ve probably seen more good, viable companies take a look at Sidney and Cheyenne County in the last six months than I can ever remember,” Person said.