4imprint to build distribution center in Oshkosh

4imprint, the nation’s ninth largest imprinted and promotional products retailer, will build a new 98,000-square-foot distribution center on Atlas Drive in Oshkosh’s Southwest Industrial Park.

The project more than doubles the size of the company’s distribution center and will house existing distribution center operations, new services and the mail crews who currently work in 4imprint’s corporate headquarters in downtown Oshkosh. 4imprint plans to break ground on the new distribution center this month and move distribution operations to the new facility in early 2009.

“We are bursting at the seams in both our corporate headquarters downtown and our distribution center,” said Kevin Lyons-Tarr, president of 4imprint. “Space is so tight at the existing distribution center that we have mailing crews working here at our corporate headquarters. This project gives us room to grow in both locations.”

In just the last three years, the online and catalog retailer has added 140 jobs to its workforce, including 32 at the distribution center. Fifty employees currently work two shifts at the 4imprint distribution center. The company expects that number will continue to grow.

4imprint leases its current facility from Chamco, Inc., Oshkosh’s industrial development agency. Chamco assisted 4imprint in locating its new, expanded distribution center in Oshkosh, facilitating the sale of an 18-acre parcel from the City of Oshkosh.

“This new distribution center is a testament to 4imprint’s continued success,” said Elizabeth Hartman, CEO/general counsel, Chamco. “4imprint is the kind of business Oshkosh is proud to have in its community — successful, expanding and continually high-ranking in employee satisfaction.”

4imprint will pursue LEED Certification for the building, which AEC Architects designed using green building principles. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy has offered energy-saving suggestions in lighting, insulation and design.

“When a customer calls requesting a sample or product, we want to respond as quickly as possible,” said John Lord, vice president of Commercial Operations for 4imprint. “With this added space, we can continue to meet the growing needs of our customers.”