Deerfield Beach, Fla.—Mapei Corporation said it will expand its existing Wildwood, Fla., facility with the addition of a new 260,000-square-foot powder production and distribution facility. The company held its groundbreaking ceremony to present the expansion.
“The existing facility has proven to be such a tremendous asset as a distribution center that the construction of additional distribution space, along with four powder production lines, will greatly increase our ability to meet our customers’ demands,” said Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO, Mapei North America. “Now we will be even better able to bring product and services to our customers in the surrounding states as well as throughout North America with the increased powder production.”
According to the company, Mapei contracted with Geis Construction for the expansion. “Mapei will continue to operate and not be affected by our construction activities as we prepare space inside existing buildings for support areas and add the foundations, utilities and infrastructure to support the 75-foot powder line systems,” said Jeffrey Martin, president, Geis Construction.
The expanded facility will also increase Mapei’s need for various roles and positions from the local area, the company said. There are currently 14 full-time employees working at the existing facility. “When the expansion is complete and the four powder lines are up and running, we anticipate the need for 160 full-time employees,” Di Geso said. “This is not counting the truck drivers and other staff who also service the facility.”
The growth was recognized by the city of Wildwood. “The city of Wildwood is excited to have Mapei located within its community and is looking forward to their expansion,” said Mayor Ed Wolf. “Mapei will provide valuable employment opportunities to residents in the years to come and will provide crucial economic diversity necessary for a healthy local economy.”
The community was represented at the groundbreaking event. After remarks by Bradley Arnold, the county administrator for Sumter County, DiGeso, Wolf and Martin, it was time for the ceremonial “turning of the soil.” The men were joined by Mapei’s director of operations, Carlo Mandelli, and Mapei’s corporate engineer and maintenance manager, Leonardo Verniani.