Menard’s Will Build Distribution Site in Southeast Missouri

Menard’s, the Wisconsin-based hardware and home improvement chain, announced today that it would build a 185,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Sullivan, Mo., about an hour southwest of St. Louis. Work on the $29.1 million facility is expected to start this month, and the site will generate nearly 130 jobs when the first phase is up and running in 2016.

“This announcement is terrific news for Sullivan and the hundreds of Missourians who will benefit from these new jobs,” Gov. Jay Nixon said in a news release announcing the development. He called it “another example of how Missouri’s skilled work force and business-friendly climate are attracting new jobs and new investments to communities across the state.”

 Menard’s has about 300 locations throughout the Midwest. The state’s Department of Economic Development, which assisted on the package, said the company chose Sullivan  in part because of the availability of land with a prime location along Interstate 44 and proximity to BNSF rail service.

“We are pleased to have selected Sullivan as we expand our footprint in the Midwest,” Menard’s Jeff Abbott said in the news release. “Our new location here in Missouri not only meets our transportation needs, but also gives us access to a highly skilled work force.”