Facility will support manufacturing operations in Minnesota and Nebraska to improve efficiencies
In an effort to support growth and improve operational efficiency, The Toro Company today announced that it is partnering with Ryan Companies to build a 450,000 square-foot distribution center near Des Moines, IA. Toro will ultimately lease the facility from Ryan once construction is completed later this year. At that time, Toro will transition distribution operations from its current facilities in Lakeville, MN, and Beatrice, NE, to the new Des Moines facility. The facility will employ approximately 20 people.
The new location will primarily distribute Toro and Exmark-branded residential and landscape contractor turf maintenance equipment to distributors, dealers and The Home Depot in the U.S. and Canada. These products are mostly produced at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Windom, MN, and Beatrice.
“With growth in our Residential and Landscape Contractor businesses, this larger facility creates expansion flexibility as we work towards our Destination 2014 revenue and profitability goals, and operational efficiencies by being in close proximity to both our Windom and Beatrice manufacturing plants,” said Judy Altmaier, vice president of operations and quality management at The Toro Company. “The Des Moines location also provides good transportation infrastructure and site access. We are excited to partner with Ryan on this project given our strong relationship, and their role in building our Tomah, WI, distribution center in 2010.”
“Ryan is honored to have earned the trust of Toro on this new build project in Des Moines,” said Casey Hankinson, vice president of development at Ryan Companies. “We competed against several strong teams for this opportunity and through Ryan’s integrated project delivery platform we are able to provide Toro with a new distribution center that fits their needs at a competitive price. Ryan has enjoyed its business relationship with Toro and has the utmost respect for their company and the people that are working with us on this project.”
“Ankeny is pleased that The Toro Company has made the decision to invest in our community,” said Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort. “The company's choice affirms that Ankeny is a place where businesses can be successful.”
"Congratulations to Toro and Ryan Companies on this exciting venture," said economic development leader Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "Central Iowa's strategic location central to the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Kansas City and Omaha metros offers Toro key competitive strength for distribution and logistics, which will help them in accomplishing their growth goals. We were pleased to work with our partners in Ankeny and the State of Iowa in assisting Toro and Ryan Companies in creating jobs and expanding business opportunity in Central Iowa."
Added Brad Schoenfelder, vice president of development at Ryan Companies, “This is not only a vote of confidence in Ryan Companies, but also in Iowa. We are pleased our proven track record with Toro helped tee up this opportunity for the Greater Des Moines area.”
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company is a worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of nearly $1.9 billion in fiscal 2011, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise.
About Ryan Companies, US, Inc.
Ryan is a national builder, designer, developer and real estate manager specializing in fully integrated solutions for more than 70 years. With a mission to build lasting relationships, Ryan delivers full-service customized solutions based on industry expertise and total collaboration -- pairing a customer’s needs and expectations with a specialized team of constructors, architects, engineers, developers, property managers and financiers. The result: 77% of Ryan’s business is from repeat customers and 95% of customers are highly satisfied with Ryan’s project delivery. Ryan serves customers and communities throughout the US with offices in the Midwest, Southwest, Great Lakes, South central and Southeast regions. For more information please visit www.ryancompanies.com .
