Cedar-Rapids, Iowa-based Van Meter Inc. has opened a new facility in Iowa City.
After outgrowing its previous location, the company decided to purchase land and build a new 22,840 square-foot warehouse/office building. Van Meter broke ground on the new location in July and opened its doors this month.
The new facility features an indoor drive-thru for call-ahead orders, a training center and a large customer service sales counter.
Van Meter's new facility also has allowed the company to expand its local inventory by more than 30%.
The building also boasts of several energy efficiency features. It is registered to become LEED certified through the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility has a geothermal heating and cooling system, a 14 kilowatt solar system and electric vehicle charging stations.
Van Meter says the new building uses 57% less energy than similar buildings and estimates the new facility will save more than $17,000 per year.
Van Meter Inc. is an employee-owned company with 12 locations throughout Iowa.
© 2012 The Electrical Distributor. All rights reserved.