Poly-Wood LLC celebrated its growth with a ribbon cutting Monday, March 7, at its new facility on West Brooklyn Street in Syracuse. Pictured from left are Poly-Wood representatives Brady Maller; Megan Pierson; Doug Rassi, president and CEO of Poly-Wood; Sean Rassi; Ross Munn; and George Robertson, president of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation. (Photo by Kristi Martin)

SYRACUSE — Many people representing area businesses, local chambers and the Syracuse community turned out for Poly-Wood’s ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, March 7, taking place in the company’s new facility, located at 825 W. Brooklyn St., Syracuse.

Ryan Zimmerman, human resources manager at Poly-Wood LLC, welcomed audience members and shared Poly-Wood’s continued growth would add 75 new employees by the end of 2016 and 175 more by 2018. These jobs will span a broad spectrum, from warehouse and shipping jobs to welding and office jobs.

George Robertson, president of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, spoke about the general economic health of Kosciusko County and how Poly-Wood continues to be on the forefront of innovation, noting how the company grew from two men making plastic furniture that resembled real wood in a garage to the multibuilding enterprise it is today.

“We celebrate that growth along with the entire county,” Robertson said, adding Poly-Wood has joined the county’s “honor roll” of successful, innovative companies.

During the ribbon cutting, Poly-Wood’s innovative spirit was on the forefront. Doug Rassi, president and CEO of Poly-Wood, praised his team of young minds — and old minds — who display a willingness to try new ideas. In the background from left, Ryan Zimmerman, Pete Garber and George Robertson listen as he speaks. (Photo by Sarah Wright)

Poly-Wood President and CEO Doug Rassi outlined the process of obtaining permits and tearing down a building from the ’60s to make way for the new facility, Poly-Wood building No. 5.

While sharing the company’s culture, Rassi praised employees’ ability and willingness to try new ideas, and how they are not afraid to imagine new means of manufacturing. He also outlined how a manufacturing program, which sends customers orders directly to the machines and workers, is used, allowing finished products to ship the very next day.

“Today that is exactly what we’re doing,” he said.

He noted those interested in joining Poly-Wood’s team can visit www.polywoodinc.com/employment.html to see job listings.

“I feel deeply humble and privileged,” Rassi said about the company’s success.

Pete Garber, the project manager with DJ Construction, which completed the project, addressed the technical aspects of the construction, beginning June 19. He noted the 230,000-square-foot facility is composed not just of storage space, but a mezzanine, restrooms, office space and shipping docks. He estimated, after an audience member’s question, the construction called for 670 truckloads of concrete, “plus or minus.”

The construction features green energy saving, with Garber stating, “Soon there will be triple dome skylights to let in natural lighting.”

He also highlighted the warehouse’s energy-efficient florescent lights, which are tied in to daylight sensors that control the amount of light being produced, cutting down on energy costs.

After the speakers, the ribbon cutting took place in the facility, with the public then enjoying refreshments. Tours, using a shuttle, were also offered of the Poly-Wood campus.

The ribbon cutting was organized as a joint effort between the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce.

Poly-Wood is an outdoor furniture company that has been turning recycled materials into durable, all-weather furnishings in Kosciusko County since 1990. The new manufacturing and warehousing facility will allow Poly-Wood to meet growing customer demand for its all-weather furniture products. The expansion will also help streamline Poly-Wood’s shipping process with improved access for transportation at its production facilities.

The ribbon cutting saw a good turnout, with representatives from the Syracuse community, area businesses and local chambers traveling to view the new facility. (Photo by Sarah Wright)