Business park continues to growFree Access

Aqualine broke ground last month on its new facility at the Eagles Landing Business Park.

Plans are already underway with the Decatur Economic Development Corp. for the Decatur business park’s next tenant to start construction this fall.

Aqualine, a California plumbing and irrigation equipment distributing company, is building a 40,000-square-foot tilt wall warehouse on a five-acre tract at the southwest corner of the business park.

Crews are currently working across Thom Lambert Boulevard on the Omega Research facility, which started construction this spring. The 45,000 square-foot facility is expected to be completed late this year or early in 2023.

Even as early as the groundbreaking in April, there were hints of discussions of Omega and its parent company Goff Capital pursuing more projects at the business park. As part of its agreement with the Decatur EDC, Omega has first refusal on an adjacent 5 acres for a future project.

In October, GT Products is planning to become the fifth company to start a project in the business park. The silicone manufacturer reached a deal in February with the Decatur EDC to move its facilities from Grapevine.

As part of the agreement with the EDC, GT Products is committed to making a $21 million capital investment, with 100,000 square feet of manufacturing, office, warehouse and distribution center space. It must be moved in by June 30, 2024. It must also have 95 full-time positions by Dec. 31, 2025.

Decatur EDC Executive Director Kevin Holzbog said GT Products will create 95 direct jobs and 40 indirect. The taxable sales in a 10 year period by the project are expected to top $6.2 million.

Retail project talks continue

Interest continues in the commercial real estate developer Retail Connection’s possible large development, Decatur Crossroads.

The development on 87.58 acres of prime commercial real estate between the major thoroughfares of U.S. 380 and U.S. 81/287 on the north side of Decatur could be a landing spot for several interested national retailers. In Retail Connections’s initial site concept plan published online, there is a proposed site for a grocery store.

One hurdle for the project is the ingress and egress onto the property.

Holzbog and Wise County Judge J.D. Clark, who will join the Regional Transportation Council next week, confirmed talks are ongoing with the Texas Department of Transportation about the project.

“We are currently working with TxDOT to identify access for the project off 380. Retailers want to know how customers will get to the location safely. These are important conversations with TxDOT,” Holzbog said.

The potential project could be an investment of $50 million to $100 million.

James Wood earns honors

Following the principles of its namesake James Wood, it’s no secret in Wise County the excellence of the local Chevrolet, GMC and Buick dealership.

But the rest of the nation is also taking notice. James Wood was recently recognized with the Mark of Excellence trophies from Buick and GMC.

The dealership earned the honors for exceeding program qualifiers, sales objectives and dealer standards with customer satisfaction.

“There’s not many dealers in Dallas/Fort Worth to receive the GMC and Buick awards,” said Amanda Williams, internet director for James Wood.

Successful job fair

Several Bridgeport businesses were able to find employees to fill openings at last month’s job fair at the Bridgeport Community Center.

The City of Bridgeport, Bridgeport EDC, Bridgeport Main Street and Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce joined forces for the job fair June 23.

“The city hired someone for public works. I know Brookshire’s hired some people on the spot,” said Leah Clark, Bridgeport EDC Director. Several businesses participated and approximately 40 jobseekers visited.

Taylor completes funeral certification

Jimmie Don Taylor of Paradise recently earned the distinction of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.

To earn the award, the practitioner must complete a 180-hour program of continuing education activities and events.

Openings, closings

The area lost a popular restaurant this past month with the Pineapple Pancake House closing on Halsell Street in Bridgeport.

With its Hawaiian cuisine, it had built a loyal following in the past year. Its sister restaurant, Pineapple Grill Texas, is open on Harwood Road in Hurst.

Construction is ongoing at 1005 Halsell for the new location of Blessed Bru.

Currently there’s more than half dozen store fronts unoccupied on Halsell.

Bridgeport welcomed Scooter’s Coffee on Overland Drive at U.S. 380 last month. Construction also continues on the city’s new Whataburger in front of Brookshire’s.

In Decatur, the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit sign appeared recently at 1400 S. Farm Road 51. It will be the first franchise in the county for the world’s largest barbecue chain, with more than 500 locations.

The owner/operator of the local restaurant will be Kelly Parr. The current open date is slated for August. The local location will have beer and wine sales.

The Taking Care of Business column appears the second weekend of the month in the Messenger. If your business is celebrating an award, promotion or need to brag on an employee, or have a hot business tip, forward a note to editor Richard Greene, rgreene@wcmessenger.com.

MARK OF EXCELLENCE — James Wood of Decatur recently received the GMC and Buick Mark of Excellence awards. GMC and Buick Zone Manager Jon Bustetter, left, and District Sales Manager Nick McDonnell, right, presented the honors to James Wood Motors Executive Manager Carey Williams and Dealer Raymond Wood. RICHARD GREENE/WCMESSENGER

COMING SOON — Dickey’s Pit Barbecue will be opening a new restaurant on Farm Road 51 South in Decatur in August. RICHARD GREENE/WCMESSENGER