Thought this article was interesting as it may open up a huge 21-Acre plot of land in the Eastern Part of Norwood, large enough to
Below is the first portion of the article, go to http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/03/24/story1.html?b=1206331200^1608456 for the full article:
Friday, March 21, 2008
U.S. Playing Card may leave Norwood
U.S. Playing Card may leave Norwood
"United States Playing Card Co. is exploring relocation options and could make a decision to move out of its 108-year-old plant and headquarters in Norwood by June.
The company has more than 600 employees overall, including more than 400 in Norwood, and the 600,000-square-foot compound is its only U.S. manufacturing site.
Phil Dolci, president of the 114-year-old business, said it's looking at unspecified locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and has been in contact with state and county economic development officials in all of those places. No decision has been made yet, and at this point "everything is a possibility," including remaining in Norwood, he told the Business Courier.
"Ideally we'll make a decision in the second quarter," Dolci said.
"Ideally we'll make a decision in the second quarter," Dolci said.
Asked if any of the locations under consideration are outside the Cincinnati metro area, Dolci said "Indiana would be" but declined to be more specific about any of the possible relocation sites.
The timing of the actual move, if that's the decision, would depend on whether U.S. Playing Card relocates to an existing facility or to a new building, along with any site preparations or building changes related to the chosen location. Dolci said the consideration of alternative locations was prompted by a desire to improve on its current manufacturing facilities.
The timing of the actual move, if that's the decision, would depend on whether U.S. Playing Card relocates to an existing facility or to a new building, along with any site preparations or building changes related to the chosen location. Dolci said the consideration of alternative locations was prompted by a desire to improve on its current manufacturing facilities.
"Manufacturing on four different floors in six different buildings isn't the paragon of efficiency," he said. If the company moves, nothing has been determined about the future of its 21-acre complex on Beech Street at Park Avenue, where the ornate entrance is topped by a four-story, neo-Romanesque bell tower that was added to the brick building in 1926.
"Everything is TBD," Dolci said.
Norwood doing what it can
Real estate industry sources said CB Richard Ellis is representing the company in its search efforts. Ken Murawski, managing director of the Cincinnati office, couldn't be reached for comment.
Real estate industry sources said CB Richard Ellis is representing the company in its search efforts. Ken Murawski, managing director of the Cincinnati office, couldn't be reached for comment.
Norwood Mayor Tom Williams said the city is trying anything it can to keep the company. There are no other sites within the city that are large enough, but officials are exploring options at the current location...
