After 18 months of discussion, the Port of Centralia will be bringing in a new Lowe's warehouse and distribution center onto port property, and perhaps most important, about 50 new jobs. The new site will be located at the Port of Centralia Park II near the Michael's warehouse and distribution center. The site, acquired from Terragon, is set to include a building, along with a yard for warehousing and distribution of building materials to maintain and service Lowe's Northwest store locations. Introduced to the city by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, Lowe's spoke with port, city and community leaders for about a year and half until reaching an agreement in December of 2008. Port of Centralia Executive Director Kyle Heaton said the new addition brings some much-needed good news in a time when the county's unemployment rate ranks among the highest in the state. "We're very fortunate," he said about landing Lowe's. "Unfortunately the news we're reading these days is centered around layoffs and closures, so it's refreshing for the port commission to bring in new jobs. But more has to be done, and the port commission will work diligently to bring in more jobs." Port Commission President Gene Groshong was also enthused about bringing in a new business to the port, especially a business with a fine reputation. "Lowe's has a track record of success and a well-earned reputation for being excellent corporate citizens," he said in a press release. "We are confident that their investment in our community is something that all of our constituents can be proud of for years to come." The port is also particularly happy with this new addition not only because of the company that will be moving in, but what it could potentially mean for the area. "Bringing in a Fortune 500 company with an excellent record of community involvement truly puts the community on the map," Heaton said. "And it shows other Fortune 500 companies that there's something here." Marqise Allen: (360) 807-8237
