“We are Here for the Long Run”, Wall Innovations Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony at Bolivar Industrial Park {video}
A warm and sunny day was the perfect backdrop for the Wall Innovations LLC groundbreaking ceremony that was held at the Bolivar Industrial Park on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Wall Innovations President Kyp Bazenikas was joined by his family, board of directors, City of Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic, Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse, other city and county employees, and people from the community as they stood on the very ground where the 18,500-square-foot facility will sit housing Wall Innovations’ manufacturing and distribution operations.
It was announced in February 2022 the company had chosen Bolivar for its U.S. manufacturing and distribution base. Prior to 2020, Wall Innovations’ U.S. manufacturing operations were based in upstate New York, but due to a decline in workforce, production ceased. In an effort to resume manufacturing, Wall Innovations chose to construct a new facility at the Bolivar Industrial Park.
President Kyp Bazenikas spoke during the ceremony expressing his appreciation for Mayor McTizic’s effort at bringing his company to Bolivar, the excitement he has about expanding in the area, and how much he has been impressed by the people in the community.
“I’m very excited about the people. They are very respectful; they have values and character. I like the fact we do prayers before we start each event. It shows character and shows value I really appreciate, especially coming from a different world,” said Mr. Bazenikas who also shared what he is looking forward to within the community. “I definitely look forward to working together and hiring people from Bolivar, and surrounding areas. Just as I said before, I want people to know that we are here to stay and here to expand. This is our first step, but I see that we can expand our operations and also, I believe we are going to bring other businesses that work with us in the same way. We are here for the long run.”
As part of its relocation to Bolivar, Wall Innovations will invest $6.4 million and create 72 new jobs over the next five years. According to Tracey Exum, Southwest Tennessee Regional Director, Wall Innovations is the third company, after Choate Engineering Performance in Bolivar and D & D Wood Processing in Toone, that have landed in Hardeman County since 2020. She shared some of the reasons Hardeman County has been so attractive to businesses looking to expand in Tennessee.
“I think one of the factors is that [Hardeman County] had the inventory. It had a shovel-ready, Select Tennessee Certified Site that meant it was ready to go. And that’s key, because if you don’t have inventory, obviously, you are not going to attract a project like this,” said Ms. Exum. “When Wall Innovations found this site and contacted the City of Bolivar, Mayor McTizic took the lead on the project and Kip and his team couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was. In this economic development business, it’s all about relationships. If you create that relationship, and you do business with somebody you know, like, and trust, it makes all difference in the world. And we have developed that with this company.”
Wall Innovations Groundbreaking Ceremony Photo Gallery
Click arrow/swipe screen to see the slideshow.
Upon completion of the 18,500-square-foot facility, Wall Inovations will specialize in high-end and affordable architectural aluminum systems in continuity with its New York company, Alumil Fabrication, a U.S. subsidiary of Alumil Fabrications S.A.
McTizic is excited for Bolivar about the opportunities Wall Innovations will bring to the community.
“The capital investment is going to bring jobs and new opportunities to the community. A little over six million dollars and seventy some odd jobs is going to be a huge boost to our economic development, and all the local businesses, and everyone that is going to be working here and the projects that are going to be made here, it is going to give us a sense of pride. [I’m] excited to see industry coming back to Bolivar,” said Mayor McTizic who added more reasons besides the business aspect as to why companies should consider relocating to Bolivar, Hardeman County. “We are a family. We have our family values, and we’re here to help each other. We’ll love anybody who is going to come and be a part of our community and support our community. We’ll welcome you in and let you be here and enjoy you being a new family member. That’s Hardeman County. It is home.”
Wall Innovations expects to begin building construction in the next two to three months. You may watch the video of President Kyp Bazenikas’ speech presented at the Wall Innovations ground breaking ceremony in Bolivar, Tennessee.
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