GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- After a search lasting over a year, Commonwealth Brands Inc., the country's fourth largest tobacco manufacturer will be relocating its corporate office to Goodlettsville, Tenn., in Spring 2011. The company has been based in Bowling Green, Ky., since it was formed in 1991; however, its growing employee base has resulted in it outgrowing its current premises, it said.
"After an exhaustive search, which included Bowling Green and other parts of Kentucky, we finally settled on Goodlettsville," said Jonathan Cox, CEO. "The city has gone out of its way [image-nocss] to welcome us and the investment that we bring and, in the end, it was a decision that we are delighted with."
Commonwealth said it expects to bring with the move the majority of its 100 staff and already has plans for further expansion and employment opportunities.
"We are excited about the move and are thrilled to be able to make this investment into the Middle Tennessee community, which will include the creation of many new jobs," Cox added.
Commonwealth was represented by Dick Fleming, a principal with Cushman & Wakefield's alliance firm, Cornerstone Commercial, in their search for new headquarters. Fleming was charged with identifying a buyer to purchase the Goodlettsville building, retrofit it for Commonwealth's needs and establish a long-term relationship with his client as a landlord. It selected Boyle Investment Co.
Boyle, which will own and manage it, purchased the 43,000-square-foot building for $2.17 million and helped relocate several tenants in order to accommodate Commonwealth's need for 32,000 square feet of space. The building will now be occupied by Commonwealth and Region's bank, which is occupying the remainder of the 43,000-sq.-ft. building.
Commonwealth Brands is owned by the British firm Imperial Tobacco, one of the world's largest international tobacco companies.
"Goodlettsville is a great location for us," said John Mercer, CFO. "It not only offers us improved transport links, but also a significantly enhanced opportunity to recruit talented individuals."
Commonwealth already employs 1000 people across the states, including more than 250 in its manufacturing facility in Reidsville, N.C. Its brands include Sonoma, Davidoff, Fortuna, Rave and USA Gold cigarettes. Its portfolio of fine tobaccos consists of the Premier, McClintock, Rave and Bali Shag brands, and a full range of rolling papers, including Joker and EZWider.
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