Plastic-lining manufacturer plans job growth at Fernley

When Robert Johnson, The president of Agru America Inc., first stepped out of a car to check out some industrial property on the east side of Fernley, three tumbleweeds rolled by.

He knew he was a long ways from the company’s existing American plant at Georgetown, S.C., and even further from its corporate headquarters in Austria.

"It was full of sand. There was nothing around,” Johnson recalled a few days ago.

Today – only 15 months later- Agru is producing gigantic rolls of plastic lining for landfills, mining and other operations from a 60,000-square-foot plant at Fernley.

And Johnson said the company is planning to add a second production line that will boost the plant’s employment by at least nine workers early next year.

Agru opened the doors the facility a few days ago to show key customers, along with state and local officials, how it produces 3,000-pound rolls of plastic lining.

They watched as a vacuum system empties plastic pellets from railcars along the west edge of the 25-acre property. The pellets are heated and run through rollers that create sheets of plastic 23 feet wide. Quality is closely monitored to ensure the lining will keep contaminants out of groundwater once it’s installed at mines or landfills.

Agru had looked at sites throughout the West – including Salt Lake City, Denver and Phoenix – before it settled on the Fernley location.

Johnson said northern Nevada’s proximity to the Port of Oakland was a key factor in the company’s decision. The Fernley plant serves customers in Canada and South America as well as the western United States.

Another factor in the decision, Johnson said, was the proximity of the big gold mines in northern Nevada that are among Agru’s customers.
           

And like other manufacturers that selected the region for West Coast operations, Agru likes the strong east-west and north-south highway networks that meet in northern Nevada.
          

The plant is located in the Crossroads Commerce Center developed by Reno’s Wade Development. Miles Construction was the general contractor on the project.

The plant currently employs 15, Johnson said.

Agru America inc. is a unit of Austria’s AGRU Kunstsofftechnik GmbH, which makes plastic lining, plastic pipe and other products at plants in Austria, Germany, the United States, Thailand and India.

Its owner and chairman, Alois Gruber Jr., the son of the company’s founder, was among company executives who hosted local officials and customers on their visit to the plant.

-NNBW - John Seelmeyer

Biodiesel and ethanol blends will flow from the pumps at a gas station in Minden when Bently Biofuels opens a service station and convenience store this fall.

Five biofuels pumps will front a LEED-certified convenience store at 1350 Buckeye Road. The 3,627-square-foot building is sited on about two acres adjoining the Bently Biofuels Property.

The project was designed by Bartlett Architecture in Reno to qualify for LEED Silver certification, says Larry Vincent, construction supervisor at Bently Biofuels.
           
The Contractor is Miles Construction based at Mound House.

In the quest for LEED Silver certification, the project team must achieve between 33 and 38 points based on the review done bye the U.S. Green Building Council, says Vincent.

Stratagies to achieve that include landscaping design with native and adaptive plans to reduce irrigation requirements. Outdoor site lighting shines downward, in keeping with the “dark sky” initiative. The aggregate base is recycled. The building uses 70 percent recycled steel. Lumber will com from sustainably-managed forests. Solar hot water provides heat and the air-conditioning system is one of the most efficient available.
Recycled bricks from previous Bently project side the building exterior.

It can be a challenge, says Vincent, to find the needed materials in the near vicinity LEED gives a credit for using materials secured within a 500 mile radius.

-NNBW Staff

Lainer One LP has broken ground on a 100,695-square-foot, two-building industrial complex in South Meadows. It’s the largest multi-tenant project developed in the South Meadows Business Center.

The project to be known South Meadows Industrial Center is scheduled for completion in May. General Contractor is Miles Construction, and Shaw Consulting Services serves as the project manager. Archeion Nevada Designed the building.
           
Gary Baker of the Baker Company, which is leasing the project, said available spaces range from 6,200 square feet in the larger of the two buildings, which will total 58,330 square feet. In the second building, which totals 42,365 square feet, spaces for lease range from 5,040 square feet.

The six-acre site is at Double Diamond Parkway at Terabyte Drive.

Baker said the marketing plan for the project focuses on its location near U.S. 395 and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, as well as units’ 21-foot clear heights, a 110-foot truck court, and robust electric power.

Lainer One LP, which is headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., has developed about 3.5 million square feet of industrial space in the past 55 years. It’s developed projects in the Reno area since 1998, including a major industrial building in Reno Corporate Centre, three industrial buildings at Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and a medical office building in south Reno.

The company’s land holdings in region include five parcels ranging from 2.5 acres to 25 acres, Baker said.

-NNBW staff

William D. Miles
President/CEO
Miles Construction
Carson City

Years in Nevada: 53
Years with Firm: 21
Type of Business: General Building Contractors

Biggest Business Challenge:
The performance of engineers and receiving timely and correct turnaround of documentation for the entitlements and permits

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with clients and learning about different businesses.

If you could start over and choose a different profession, what would it be?
If I had enough money, I would like to have a large insurance company of my own.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
I spend time with my family, hiking, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, working with the Boy Scouts of America and coaching various youth sports.

Little-known fact about yourself:
I love to look for and collect Nevada minerals.

Best Business Advice:
Surrounding yourself with good people to work with is your most valuable asset.

What do you think can be done to speed up the entitlement process?

           According to William D. Miles, pre-engineered steel was a good, cost effective alternative to doing construction projects in rural areas of Nevada, That’s why in 1986, Miles Construction was founded. Miles, along with other owners Jerry V. Deines and Cary Richardson, runs this operation that specializes in industrial construction, construction management and what he calls “the pre-engineered steel product”.

            Miles Construction, Carson City, NV has been affiliated with American Buildings Co. for 16 years, and is a member of the manufacturer’s President’s Advisory Council. The company employs 75, including a project developer, six project managers, seven superintendents, three management staff, five support staff, a designer and 22 field crew.
            A majority, 95%, of its projects are design/build, with the remaining 5% of business being bid/spec. Commercial/industrial construction makes up 90% of its project types, while 5% is institutional and another 5% self-storage. The company relies on referrals, as 70% of its business comes from referrals. Another 25% comes from repeat customers.

HISTORY

“Our company was originally a residential-focused operation,” said Miles. “It has now become well known locally in the retail and commercial construction market.” Though its market focus has changed, a few things have remained the same since its founding. “Our attention to quality of the product we produce and our relationship with our employees are highly valued,” he added.
            The company now specializes in general contracting, construction management, design-assist, retail, pre-engineered steel, general engineering, tenant improvements and hospitality. It’s strength lies in its ability to control budget.
            “We are noted for bringing projects in on time and budget,” said Miles. “Our company starts with realistic budget, which costs us some market share at times. We simply do what we say.”

Business As Usual

            Quality and customer satisfaction are the foundation for success for many companies, and is something that Miles Construction also stresses. Metal construction products are easy to promote because they help contractors focus on those qualities. “We promote pre-engineered products as a cost saving solution with good value and life-cycle costs,” Miles explained.
            However, quality products are nothing without quality workmanship and employee safety and training, all of which the company incorporates. Miles Construction utilizes everything from “strict safety practices, to journeyman level mechanics, to being respectful to all the people that are encountered through a project,” said Miles.
            While promoting products are an important part of business, promoting your business itself can also prove challenging. To increase exposure outside of its region, Miles Construction utilizes its website as a tool for future growth. Its new site will be released sometime this summer. The site will give the company more versatility and better reflects its diversities. The company also uses print media, phone and local business publication to promote business.

Looking Ahead

            Miles construction currently has 28 projects pending or already under construction. Miles said the company is poised to continue our current growth and anticipates another 25% increase in volume in 2007.” When asked what he thinks of the market for metal buildings over the next 12 months, he said he thinks his company is in “an excellent market for the near future.”

Recent Projects

Premier Jet, Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, CA – Palomar Airport Hanger in a state-of-the-art hanger facility constructed to house corporate jets and has office areas for lease. The building of this facility required removing old and structurally unstable T-hangars. The new facility has approximately 160,00 sq. ft. of hangar space, with approximately 70,000 sq. ft. of office space. It is constructed of steel, using a hybrid design of structural steel and pre-engineered steel. It also employs foam-insulated wall panels, which are 2” thick and finish the inside of the building with a metal liner panel. The building manufacturer was Metallic Buildings and the insulated panels were provided by Insulated Panel Systems.

Western Nevada Supply, Carson City- This 9,000 sq. ft. building with a 9,000 sq. ft. mezzanine uses a metal building and also features a 1,600 sq. ft. showroom for its high-end plumbing fixtures. The metal building manufacturer was American Buildings Co. and API panels were utilized at the entry with and 8’ overhang with hips and gabled features.

Production Pattern Foundry, Mound House, NV- This 100,000 sq. ft. aluminum foundry outside of Carson City uses a metal building. This new building replaces the old facilities. The company had been operating in roughly six buildings, but will now be able to fit everything in one large facility and also add more finishing processes. The building manufacturer was American Buildings Co.

Cable Connection, Mound House- This is a 16,00 sq. ft. steel building with 8’-high x 4”-think pre-cast panel wainscot and 2,400 sq. ft. of office space. The building manufacturer was American Buildings Co.

Builders Choice Lumber, Silver Springs, NV- This truss maker’s 29-acre site includes a 146,000 sq. ft. manufacturing building and a 6,800 sq. ft. office and truck maintenance building. The project features the use of rigid framing and used approximately 700 tons of steel. The project is expected to be completed in August 2007. The metal building manufacturer was American Buildings Co.

By Kristy Elder
Assistant Editor

Two local builders have reached the dream of partnership in a construction corporation.  Jerry Deines and Cary Richardson are the two newest shareholders in Miles Brothers Construction Inc.  

Deines, vice president of field operations, has worked in construction for 34 years, four of those years with Miles Brothers, on Industrial Parkway in Carson City.

He began his career in San Diego County as a journeyman carpenter and progressed to foreman and then superintendent.  In Carson City he’s worked on the Production Pattern & Foundry Building, a 100,000-square foot concrete aluminum foundry.  He also worked on the Bently Nevada World Headquarters in Minden, a 288,000 square foot facility that merged 12 buildings into one.

Richardson, vice president of business operations, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.  He’s worked in the field for 18 years, three of those with Miles Brothers.  He’s also worked on the design and construction of the Production Pattern & Foundry building.  He’s worked on the Smith’s shopping center in Dayton and SlotWorld’s Daytona Casino, a 20,000-square-foot building.

One of the main challenges of designing the Western Nevada Supply store was making the architecture appealing, said a builder working on the project.

The 14,000-square-foot building supply store is located at the south entrance to Carson City, in an area expected to be hot for commercial once the freeway is completed in 2010. The Carson City bypass will connect with South Carson Street at the base of Spooner Summit next to the new supply store.

Scott Garrison, of Miles Brothers Construction, said designing architectural character was a requirement of the city building department. The builder had to also keep the project affordable for the owner Three R’s LLC.

The $2 million building is located at Frontage Road and Clear Creek Avenue, off South Carson Street.

“Being right on the highway there it couldn’t there it couldn’t just be a square box, it had to have architectural and aesthetic features to it,” Garrison said.

Western Nevada Supply is scheduled to open June 12. It leases a 7,200-square-foot building at 2443 S. Curry St. That location will close when the company moves to 5445 S. Curry St. Contractor Miles Brothers Construction broke ground on the two-acre project in late December. The job superintendent is Bryan Tom.

Nevada Appeal
Staff Report

SILVER SPRINGS - Thirty miles east of the Carson City limits, a red-tinted steel structure is rising from the desert floor. The Builders Choice Inc. manufacturing facility is one of the tallest structures in this rural community, and when it's enclosed it'll be the largest building.

After about three days, workers erected eight sections of steel trusses, which span 200 feet over the 100,000-square-foot concrete pad. The plant also has an additional 46,000 square feet for its large automated saws. That's a lot of industry for little Silver Springs.

"The first truss should roll off the assembly line by the end of July," says Don Ogden, manager of Nevada Builders Choice, which owns 29 acres in Silver Springs.

Starting with 25 people the first day, Builders Choice will make trusses for the residential construction industry, a booming market in the area. Trusses made in Silver Springs will be shipped from Utah to Northern California. Ogden said, in the space of a few years, the plant will grow to 200 employees working five production lines in a couple of shifts.

Those new jobs in the area pay an average of $15 an hour, said regional economic expert Larie Trippet, with the Northern Nevada Development Authority. Builders Choice is expected to have a regional economic impact of $5.4 million in its first year of operation, according to the state economic development office.

Steel Specialist Scott Garrison, with general contractor Miles Brothers Construction, has been driving between his home in Dayton to the work site since December, but they've been working on the project for two years. He casually walked beside the steel skeleton, pointing out the purloins (smaller sections of steel that are used to attach the rigid frames together). The pieces are assembled on the ground and then raised by the cranes.

The two cranes at the site each lift a 20,000-pound section of steel and then connect the two together in the air.

Working one of the controls is Chuck Neller, of Sparks. A crane operator for 27 years, Neller said this is a pretty easy job with the help of a good signal man on the ground. If the pieces are laid out correctly it will come together right.

Tightening the bolts is John Sherwin, of Silver Springs. He's been on the job since Monday. He had worked at Naval Air Station Fallon before losing his job when the military switched contractors. He's lived in Silver Springs for 20 years and likes it because of the one blinking light in town (the intersection of 95A and Highway 50 East).

Sherwin, 49, said he gets a fair wage working at this site and doesn't have to drive 150 miles to work. As excited as he is to work on the largest building in Silver Springs, he isn't excited about what that means.

"I hate to see our little neighborhood grow," he says. He talks about the proposed roadway between the city and the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County, off Interstate 80. A few miles of it has been paved near the interstate, but it's still a few years from Silver Springs.

"I think this place is going to get really big, like this is going to be the center of the world."

An aspect of that is true, otherwise Builders Choice wouldn't have selected Silver Springs for its $7 million facility.

"You have 95A there," says Garrison. "You're 20 minutes from I-80, which is important if you're shipping south to Vegas."

Ogden says he doesn't think the company could've built as large of a complex for $7 million any where else in Nevada, or invested another $1 million into new equipment.

"We were able not to spend a fortune on land and put our investment in the actual manufacturing facility," he says. " We were able to prioritize."

Builders Choice

• The truss maker's 29-acre site on Lake Street in Silver Springs includes a 146,000-square-foot manufacturing building, a 6,800-square-foot office and truck maintenance building.

• The family-owned company was started by Phillip Overholtzer about 15 years ago. He was a Modesto home builder who had a difficult time finding trusses for his developments. He opened his own manufacturing facility outside Modesto, which is run by his children. The Nevada facility will be run by his son-in-law, Don Ogden.

• The Silver Springs operation will be twice the size of the company's 20-acre plant in Hughson, Calif. That plant employs 187 workers and processes more than 2 million board feet of lumber monthly.

Total cost: $8 million, includes equipment

Amount of steel used: About 700 tons

Concrete: 6,000 yards

To be completed: August

Nevada Appeal
By Becky Bosshart

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20060416/BUSINESS/104160087

Western Nevada Supply Co. will relocate to a $2 million building on South Carson Street near where Highway 50 goes west to Spooner Summit. This area is expected to be a hot area for commercial once the freeway is completed in 2010.

Coby Rowe, Western Nevada Supply's Carson City branch manager, said Thursday the 14,000-square-foot building will be completed in late May. Contractor Miles Brothers Construction broke ground on the project in late December.

"We're outgrowing the current facility," he said. "We're going to move to carry more inventory and to provide better customer service."

Western Nevada Supply leases a 7,200-square-foot building at 2443 S. Curry St. That location will close when the company moves to 5445 S. Carson St.

Moving near the new freeway is the appealing part of the expansion, Rowe said.

The section of the freeway from Highway 395 at Arrowhead Drive to Highway 50 East will open to traffic by April. Construction on the next phase, from Highway 50 to Fairview Drive, will begin this year. It's planned to be completed in 2008. The last section to Highway 50 at Spooner Summit should be completed by 2010, according to a Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman.

"I think there is a lot of interest down in that area," said Mark Beauchamp, a co-owner of Shaheen Beauchamp Builders. "I think it's being looked at as a new retail area in Carson City. A lot of that is driven by the bypass."

Shaheen Beauchamp Builders is working on the planned $10 million Bodine's casino project, which will be located on the southwest corner of South Carson Street and Old Clear Creek Road.

Western Nevada Supply's building will include a 1,600-square-foot showroom for its high-end plumbing fixtures. The wholesale company was started by Jack Reviglio and Bill Higgins in 1964 and expanded to Carson City in 1996. It also operates stores in Elko, South Lake Tahoe, Bishop, Susanville and Truckee.

It employs 22 people in Carson City. Rowe said the store added four full-time employees in preparation of the move.

Nevada Appeal
By Becky Bosshart

Although some work had already started, a groundbreaking to formally kick off the construction of the newest casino in Dayton was conducted before a small gathering last Thursday morning next to Smith supermarket.

SlotWorld’s Daytona Casino is due to open in November, pending regulatory approvals.

This casino is part of Phase II of the Dayton Delta, LLC commercial development project around Smith’s Food & Drug Center. The first phase, on the east side of Smith’s, is underway and should be mostly completed in July.

The casino, which began construction recently (foundation work underway), is officially owned by Daytona Casino, LLC, of which SlotWorld is a major Partner, with Roger Primm the other partner. Dennis Small, president of SlotWorld and one of four owners – three of Carson City and one in Reno – said SlotWorld, which will operate the new casino, began looking for sites in the Dayton area about 18 months ago.

“we’ve been tracking the growth out there for the last couple years, “ he said by phone Monday. “We’ll be looking at a pretty good size town out there shortly. “

Small added the partners spent a lot of time finding a site, about the past 18 months, looking at many sites, although initially they weren’t in a great hurry. Hey said, though, they chose the eventual site since it appeared to be best, where the major retail activity in the area is occurring. He also noted the main growth of the valley seems to be occurring in that area.

The casino serves as the co-anchor of the shopping center project and it is located off of Pine Cone Road.

Kevin Hogan, Special Projects Manager for SlotWorld, will serve as the general manager for the new casino, which is planned for 15,000 square-feet.

“SlotWorld is very exited to be part of one of the most vibrant communities in the state,” Hogan said. “The 6.5-acre development at Smith’s is an excellent location for our casino and we are thrilled to offer a marvelous entertainment and dining experience to Dayton community.”

Small said, “We hope to be operating in November, if everything goes smoothly.” He anticipated most of the phase 2 businesses, which includes Taco Bell in front of the casino, to be about ready to open by that time also.

Hogan said they are aiming to be ready for final approval and licensing at a Nov. 18 Nevada Gaming Commission meeting.

“It’ll be a good economic boost,” Ed Peck, Dayton Chamber of Commerce executive director said. He added, “It will employ around 100 people. It will be good for the community, provide jobs, a new restaurant. It’s a good development.”

Small related the name Daytona was chosen as a play on the name Dayton and is based on Daytona Beach, FL (see other story). “We wanted to make it (casino) a fun place and Daytona Beach, FL is a fun place to go, there’s lots to do there.”

The casino will be slots-only but with about 250 of the latest multi-denomination ticket-in, ticket-out games manufactured by IGT, Williams and aristocrat. In addition, it will feature a 90-seat grill and restaurant where hand-cut meats will be broiled on a six-foot char-broiler. It will also include a lounge and a 4,000 square-foot mezzanine.

The casino was designed by Bartlett Architecture of Reno and the $7-9 million structure is being constructed by Miles Brothers Construction of Mound House.

The casino plans to employ nearly 100 employees. Management is expected to begin hiring for all positions in August or September.

About 20 businesses will locate in Dayton Delta’s commercial center, developed by the Hone Co. The development’s first phase is on Retail Road and includes about nine retail spaces, including Jack in the Box, Round Table Pizza, UPS Store, Paycheck Advance, Bobby Page’s Cleaners, Kragen Auto and MTM Mortgage co. The completion date for at this part of this phase is July, with some coming later.

Phase 2 (23,000 square-feet) will also include Dollar Tree, Quizno’s Subs, Nextel, Great Clips and Dollar Tree.

The SlotWorld company operates SlotWorld at 3879 Highway 50 E. SlotWorld’s Cabaret, 324 E. Winnie Lane; and a smoke shop/casino in the Carson Mall.

The Leader-Courier
By Keith Trout

Dayton gamblers should have a new $7 Million to $9 million slots-only casino by winter, officials from SlotWorld in Carson City said this week.

Today, the casino is having a groundbreaking ceremony on the SlotWorld Daytona Casino on Pine Cone Road in the Smith’s grocery development.

If all goes smoothly with state gambling regulators, the Daytona Beach-themed casino should open in November, officials said. They are hoping the Nevada Gaming Commission grants them a license at their Nov. 18 meeting in Las Vegas. “We can meet that schedule,” project manager Kevin Hogan said. “The walls are built. We are working on the pad.”

The 15,000-square-foot casino with 4000-square-foot mezzanine should open with 250 ticket-in/ticket-out machines, restaurant and lounge, Hogan said.

The company is developing a system to allow the players’ club at the new casino to interact with the Carson City SlotWorld club, he said. The casino will need about 100 employees, he said.

The new casino comes on the heels of the Sands Regent’s purchase of two Dayton casinos.

The Sands agreed in March to buy the 250-slot Depot Casino and 33-slot Red Hawk Sports bar in Dayton for $10.2 million.

Both properties – across U.S. 50 from one another, about 10 miles east of Carson City – have unrestricted gaming licenses.

The Sands owns the Sands Regency in Reno, Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort in Verdi and Rail City in Sparks.

SlotWorld officials said even with the Sands’ plans to improve those properties, the projected growth in Dayton is enough to sustain their new casino.

Lyon County grew by 7.2 percent between July, 1 2003 and June 30, 2004 according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. It was the third year in a row that it was the fastest-growing county in Nevada, and the rate of growth increased each year so far this decade, census figures show.

“They project 60,000 to 70,000 people out here in the fairly near future,” Hogan said. “It will have a similar market to Carson City, and there is significantly more competition in Carson.”

The casino was designed by Bartlett Architecture of Reno and is being built by Miles Brothers Construction of Carson City.

It is part of a larger, two-part project that will bring more than 38,000 square feet of new retail to Smith’s shopping center.

The first phase will include nearly 15,00 square feet of space with a Round Table Pizza, UPS Store, Paycheck Advance, Bobby Page’s Cleaners, Kragen Auto and MTM Mortgage Co. by September, said Project Manager Chris Bonafede.

Reno Gazette-Journal
By Ryan Randazzo

The idea of making history come alive continues to take shape in Virginia City.

A state-owned history and research center, where the famed Virginia and Truckee Railroad’s 19th century operations focused, is under construction and scheduled to open in August.

The unnamed center will house a restored V&T engine, space for exhibits, research and storage for artifacts uncovered in Comstock excavations, State Historic Preservation Officer Ron James said.

A two-story building for exhibit and storage space also will include Comstock Historic District Commission’s offices.

James said the center at the corner of Union and E streets in the legendary mining town will include about 5,000 square feet.

The idea of such a center has been discussed by state officials for several years and was approved by the 2003 Legislature in its capital improvement budget.

James said a June opening had been contemplated, but the difficult winter put the project behind schedule.

“We’re getting there, and it will be worth the wait.” James said Tuesday.

“This will be a significant addition to the community and a strong attraction” for visitors, James said.

Some artifacts found during Virginia City-area excavations and from notable saloons will be publicly exhibited. Other artifacts will be stored and protected for researchers.

“This is the most remarkable collection of saloon archaeology in the American West.” James said. At present, the artifacts – including the oldest known Tabasco sauce bottle – are being kept in three different locations.

James said a decision on which former V&T locomotive will be brought to the site hasn’t been finalized. He said it would probably be either engine No. 18 called the “Dayton” or No. 27. Both are at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where they have been restored.

James said door to the building that will house the locomotive are replicas of doors on the former V&T shops in Carson City.

“When the locomotive comes out those doors it will help bring history alive,” James said.

Joe Curtis, owner of Mark Twain Bookstore and a member of the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority board agreed.

“Making a railroad engine accessible to the public and having an interpretive aspect to the center is very important,” Curtis said.

Elma white, owner of the Delta Gift Shop, said the center will be a welcome addition to the community.

“We’re thrilled about it. We need people to get up here and see our community and learn about our history,” White said.

James said the total cost of the project – including construction, land acquisition and design – is about $700,000 an estimated $170,000 came from the sale of three state-owned lots in Dayton and fundraisers.

Reno Gazette-Journal
By Tim Anderson

Since the news broke on the development of a new retail center surrounding the Smith’s store on Highway 50 in Dayton, Vicki Hone has received several calls from locals who want to give her suggestions.
How about a Chinese restaurant?
Maybe a Pizza place?

Round Table Pizza is one of the tenants scheduled is one of the tenants scheduled to move in this year.

Or, as one caller to the Nevada Appeal suggested, how about a Sonic Burger?

Jack in the box is a confirmed tenant.

After being mostly devoid of the chain-store fare that those in surrounding cities have enjoyed for so long, many Dayton residents are looking forward to 25,000 square feet of new retail space. But when it comes, others may yearn for the days of the mom and pop downtown Dayton stores.
This week, developers and officials with the project gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Snow was plowed away from one corner of the Hone Company’s land beside Smith’s and gold spray-painted shovels were poised over the dark brown dirt. Construction on Dayton Delta LLC’s project begins this week.

Nevada Appeal
By Becky Bosshart

A commercial center in Dayton set to break ground in early January includes plans for a Round Table Pizza, Jack in the Box and Taco Bell.

Chris Bonafede, manager of Dayton Delta LLC of Minden, said Wednesday the 6.5-acre project is near Smith's on Highway 50. Dayton Delta bought the property from the grocery store company in February.

"Our vision with Dayton is to try and provide a first-class retail shopping center that would provide the services that the community needs," he said.

The first phase is on Retail Road and includes about nine retail spaces. Jack in the Box and Taco Bell are in this first phase. Bonafede said those restaurants should break ground by the spring. The completion date for this phase is July 2005.

Phase two of construction, located on the side of Pine Cone Road, is set to break ground on April 1. Together the project's phases will add more than 25,000 square feet of retail space.

About 20 businesses will locate in Dayton Delta's commercial center. So far, eight spaces are full, deals on three spaces are pending. Bonafede said another fast-food chain restaurant has secured a pad facing Highway 50, but he could not name it. The total cost of construction is not yet available.

Work on the project will be done by Miles Brothers Construction of Mound House, Bartlett Architecture and Western Engineering & Surveying of Carson City. Wells Fargo Bank completed the construction loan.

Bonafede said the Dayton Smith's is one of the largest grossing in the nation, so other chain businesses see this location as a "tremendous opportunity."

Lyon County Commission Vice Chairman Bob Milz said county government has worked with Dayton Delta and Miles Brothers for a year and a half to get this project started.

"How it benefits the county is in additional sales tax," he said. "That would help the county provide extra services and then also a place where people don't have to drive to Carson City (to have retail). It's just a wonderful thing that we've all needed."

Milz has lived in Dayton for 16 years and he said this project is the biggest commercial venture in Dayton other than Smith's. He estimates the population in the Dayton area as 15,000.

"Until now we really haven't had the population to support local business," he said.

MOUND HOUSE — Angela Emeterio sees the growth of this dusty, heavily industrial community on the western edge of Lyon County in simple terms: “There’s a lot less sagebrush now,” said Emeterio, whose father operates West Coast Bullet Inc., a Comstock Industrial Park anchor since the 1980s.

And a lot more buildings are filling the landscape. About 120 structures dot the industrial park map, compared with a dozen or so two decades ago.

“We’re starting to see a synergy develop here over the last 10 years,” said Bill Miles, president of Miles Brothers Construction Inc., which owns much of the industrial park...

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C Hill volunteers are getting ready for a long, hot haul.

Volunteer organizers, heavy-equipment operators and a 12-man inmate crew moved 57,000 pounds of cement from Carson Middle School to C Hill Tuesday in temperatures of more than 100 degrees in an effort to rebuild a huge American flag in time for Nevada Day.

They filled three of the 55 foundation holes with cement - and have 50 more to go.

But that's just the beginning of a mountain of work awaiting them.

Workers say without helicopter support from the Nevada National Guard, they will have to carry the cement, one 40-pound bag at a time, from the spot where they are stockpiling it on the hill, about a quarter of a mile from the work site.

Guard pilots are reluctant to fly in the cement because of potential dust storms on a landscape left barren after the Waterfall fire.

Organizers need labor for the daunting task. Food and water will be provided - along with a strictly optional, free, cold shower from the water truck used to mix the cement.

"It's a good workout," Miles Construction Inc. worker Todd Jennings said before he headed home after five trips up the hill in his company's truck.

Nevada Appeal
By Robyn Moormeister

Students returned from spring break Monday to their first day of classes in the new addition to Bordewich-Bray Elementary School.

"It's cool," said Kacie Massoni, 8. "Our room is shaped like Nevada."

Second-grader Travis Summers added his praise, "It's bigger than our other one."

But there were adjustments to be made.

"It was confusing," said 7-year-old Jordan Geist. "We didn't find our desks easy."

After discovering in November 2001 that the school's five modular buildings were infested with toxic mold, the portables were demolished.

To replace the missing space, voters passed a $3.75 million bond in the 2002 election to build an addition to the school.

The addition consolidates the former seven-building campus into one building.

"The best thing I found today is that the kids had continuity throughout the day," said pre-first-grade teacher Barb Martin. "We used to be in the Bray building and we were always running - to lunch, to reading, to recess, wherever. It was much more relaxed today."

The main entrance of the school was switched from the east side of the building to the north. The attendance office was moved to a more central location.

"I think people will have to get used to it," said office specialist Tammie Hartz. "But once we can direct people here, I think it will actually be easier for people to find."

Greg Deines, superintendent of Miles Bros. Construction Co., was pleased to see the hallways filled with students.

"The kids are finally under one roof," he said. "This is their building."

Principal Sue Keema said it is a building the entire city can be proud of. From passing the bond to helping move desks and supplies, the community has been involved in the process.

"There's a great sense of achievement and satisfaction," she said. "This was really a community effort."

The public is invited to an open house 5 to 7 p.m. May 14.

Nevada Appeal
By Teri Vance

Dayton – For Mary Minor, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the dream of a lifetime has come true right in the town where she was born and raised.

On May 5, an elated Dr. Minor, her family at her side, shovel in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other, christened the site at Enterprise Way and U.S. 50 where her new 6,000 square-foot small animal Dayton Valley Veterinary Hospital is under construction.

“We expect it to be ready to open in about five months,” said Minor, noting she’s prepared to serve Dayton and the surrounding areas for years to come. Over the last four years, Minor has done business out of a leased space at the Sutro Square business complex on U.S. 50 and Pike Street.

“I never thought I’d have an opportunity like this in Dayton,” said Minor, growing up in the small town before major development had even been thought about. “I had to expand or leave the community,” she said, pointing out, she is so busy, she can’t in good faith accept any new clients. Once the new animal hospital is open, that policy will change.

Being a Dayton native, Dr. Minor said it seems appropriate that her new facility is located within the Landmark Communities’ Traditions’ community planned for the north and east end of the valley. “I am part of the Dayton tradition,” she said, also being a 4th generation Nevada native. Her father Gene and mother Del, maiden name Spaletta, each has roots that stem deep into Nevada’s history. Del and Gene met when they attended Reno High School. Today, with her siblings’ children also born in Nevada, Minor notes the 5th Nevada generation’s roots are also digging in. “We are all adapting,” she said.

Said Landmark Home’s owner, Jim Bawden: “We are happy to have Mary and the new veterinary hospital as a part of our new project. It’s going to be a great addition to Traditions while providing a great service to Dayton Valley.”

Using a local builder to get the job done right, Dr. Minor said: “We are using Miles Brothers Construction. They are a local business and we want to support local businesses, when it comes to growth in the valley.”

Seeing the smiles on her parents, Gene and Del Minor, and sister Julie’s faces, reminded Minor of her family and the importance their traditions played in her life. “ I especially thank my family, friends, community and clients for their undying support. Everybody came together to help us, including builders, developers and politicians.

“At the Dayton Valley Veterinary Hospital, se habla espanol,” reminds Dr. Minor.

By Laura Tennant
The Leader-Courier

Mound House – Owners and manager of a 36-year established San Leandro, CA, manufacturing facility relocating to Mound House braved a gale of a Nevada wind on April 28 to hold a ground breaking ceremony on 15 acres of land located in the Comstock Industrial Park at 75 Cygnet Drive.

Expecting to employ 100 people in their plant, the Production Pattern & Foundry Co., owned and operated by Arlene and Steve Cochran, a mother and son partnership, are anxious to begin anew in Nevada when their 100,000 square-foot plant opens around Oct. 14.
Starting grading and foundation work as soon as Lyon County approves a special use permit, long time Mound House contractor Bill Miles, Miles Brothers Construction, says he is ready to begin pushing dirt. “We anticipate receiving approval for the special use permit on May 6,” said Cary Richardson, Miles Brothers’ project manager. Since the Mound House Advisory Council and Lyon PlanCom approved the project, no opposition is being expected on the County Commission level when the matter goes before them this Thursday.

“We will be transitioning our operation from San Leandro to Mound House in October,” said Ray Switzer, company president. “We expect to be in full operation by the first of the year,” he said, whenever possible, local suppliers will be used in plant’s production process, which includes state-of-the art processes like robotics.

“As an aluminum foundry, we produce castings for several industries, including the truck industry for Peterbilt and Kenworth, for the medical and electronic industries,” said Switzer of their customer base, noting their products are exported outside the U.S. to Australia, Canada, Mexico, and England. “We cast 133 aluminum components for Peterbilt.”

Emphasizing the role Miles played in the firm’s decision to move to Mound House, Arlene Cochran noted: “I can’t say enough about how Bill has helped us. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. It all started out with a handshake,” she said, noting this day and age, that’s an amazing way to do business. “I couldn’t be more pleased,” she said of dealing with Miles. Cochran met Miles when she was looking to relocate at the Dayton Business Park. Miles Brothers’ was talking with the Cochrans about building there.

Bringing their foundry, an aluminum casting production to Lyon County, Switzer said Production Pattern and Foundry’s business is “on the incline, in a positive growth stage,” a fact that makes them a greater asset to the county. Like many California manufacturers, the Cochrans’ are moving their facility to Nevada due to the high cost of doing business in Calif. And, with their business constantly expanding over the years, the size of the new plant allows them to do business under one roof instead of spread-out site with a number of facilities utilized.

“It took two years to make the decision to move, but I believe it is a positive move for our company,” said Arlene.

Besides Nevada’s friendly business climate, Cochran said the fact her family’s roots began in the Silver State added to her decision to relocate in Mound House. “I have 15 to 20 relatives living in Genoa,” she said. One relative, Sonia DeHart, Genoa, was Nevada’s oldest living individual until her death.

Today, Cochran too calls Genoa home; therefore, moving the company’s business to Mound House creates an easy commute. “I will be at the plant every day,” she said, adding “The foundry is special to me because my father, Robert Lambert, was one of the original founders. He and Ray’s uncle started the business, a pattern shop, in 1942 in Oakland. Later my father bought his uncle out. For the past eight years since my father passed away, my brother and I owned it as partners, but last year, my brother bought the pattern shop and I am now the sole owner. I have been around it all of my life.”

Although Arlene is part of operating the business, she noted: “I have a team who helps. They are totally invaluable. We work together,” she said, noting one of the business’s new employees, Dave Shultz, worked for Bently, a Minden-Gardnerville company for ten years.

Pledging to hire as many Nevadans as possible, she pointed out that Shultz is just one of the company’s local residents expected to be hired; however, Cochran pointed out that all of their San Leandro employees have been given the opportunity to relocate with them. Now, she’s uncertain as to exactly how many are ready to move to northern Nevada, facing quite a lifestyle change.

“They will be paying wages on high end,” said Miles, noting the starting wage is $10 an hour, going up to $16 an hour or higher, depending on employee experience.

Searching for employees to hire, Shultz is working with Northern Nevada Development Authority.

Of working with Lyon County officials, Richardson noted the Central Lyon County Fire District and county inspectors cooperated to solve problems. “We had a lot of cooperation from them. There were issues we had to work out. It was a pleasure working with them. We addressed issues as a team, not adversarily.”

Developing industrial and commercial property in Mound House is not a new venture to Miles Brothers Construction. Miles said the property Production Pattern & Foundry Co. has selected is part of a second phase of the development of the Comstock Industrial Park, which began years ago when sites like those located off of Affonso were

The Leader-Courier
By Laura Tennant

Production and Pattern Foundry Co. decided the business climate in the Bay Area is too difficult, justifying a $5.5 million moving investment, company officials said.

The company, which makes aluminum casting for heavy trucks such as Peterbilt, medical equipment and electronics, broke ground on a 100,000-square-foot foundry Wednesday, about 10 miles east of Carson City off Nevada 341.

“Worker’s compensation cost. Insurance costs. The cost of doing business in general (was too much),” said PPF President Ray Switzer, who already has moved to Nevada’s capital.

The company is hoping to improve efficiency with one building that would be to large and expensive in California.

“We were able to construct a facility (in Carson City) under one roof and incorporate all of our processes into it,” Vice President Jay St. John said. “with our growth in California it was spread out under roughly six buildings. Now we are going to be able to fit all that in one large facility and also add more finishing processes.”

The facility will employ roughly 100 people when the doors open, which is scheduled for Oct. 14, said Dave Shultz, the company’s relocation manager.

PPF has invited all of the employees in California to move to Carson City. After confirming which employees will make the move, PPF will begin hiring locally with training beginning in October.

“It would be safe to say that we are going to be filling 50 to 75 jobs,” said Switzer, adding that starting wages will be between $10 and $16 per hour.

PPF also will invest $1.5 million in capital into the new facility, and hopes to expand operations shortly after opening. The building, which is being constructed locally by Miles Brothers Construction Inc., and land is projected to cost $4 million.

“We are investing a lot of new capital for the foundry, which should improve our efficiency and also add capacity,” Switzer said.

The company’s owner, Arlene Cochrane, is already familiar with the area. She owns a home in Genoa and has family that has lived there for more than 50 years, she said.

Her mother-in-law owned the Genoa Bar before passing away.

But her Nevada roots have little to do with moving the company.

“We looked at a lot of places before we chose Nevada and Nevada had the most to offer,” Cochrane said. “It’s coincidental that I have a house in Genoa. I think our team decided Nevada was the best place to move and then we started looking for property or a building.”

The company was founded in 1942 in Oakland, Calif. The foundry moved to San Leandro, Calif., in 1956, where it will remain operational until the Carson City facility opens.

By Zack Hall
Reno Gazette-Journal