Worldlawn Power Equipment Inc., a global manufacturer whose U.S. headquarters is based in Beatrice, NE, has acquired a 275,000-square-foot facility located at 401 N. Commerce Street. The building was previously occupied by Husqvarna, and the purchase was finalized on June 30, 2016.
Worldlawn and Encore (a division of Worldlawn) both manufacture outdoor power equipment, including professional and commercial lawnmowers (riding, stand-on and walk-behind mowers), residential lawnmowers (riding mowers), and snowthrowers.
"I'm very pleased to see this expansion go forward,” said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. “This is another example of how Nebraska provides great opportunities to international companies. We've worked hard to develop a relationship with World Group and are happy to see that relationship come to fruition."
Courtney Dentlinger, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, also expressed her support for the project. “Investments from companies like Worldlawn show the value of global engagement,” she said. “Companies like Worldlawn add jobs and opportunities to the state economy.”
“We like Beatrice, and this is a great opportunity for our company to invest in the community,” said Hardy Shao, President of Worldlawn. “Nebraska has been a wonderful fit for our company. We are excited to grow our business and are grateful for the state’s support.”
Worldlawn and Encore are currently housed in a 100,000-square-foot facility in Gage County Industrial Park. Company officials are analyzing how to best use the 401 N. Commerce facility and Gage County Industrial Park facility. The new building acquisition will serve as a means for diversification, expansion, warehousing and solidifying the company’s long-term goals.
Although official expansion plans for the company are still being finalized and a timeline has not been firmly established, there will be a need for more employees. Currently Worldlawn Power Equipment employs 25-plus people and plans to increase staffing in various departments, including Management, Engineering, Sales and Marketing.
“It’s great to have a local company purchase the building,” said Walker Zulkoski, NGage Executive Director. “Worldlawn’s investment and commitment to growing here shows that we have a thriving business environment where companies are confident in achieving long-term success.”
Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc. was established in California in 2004 and has been in Beatrice, NE, since 2011 when the company purchased Encore Manufacturing.
