Construction plans for an expansion of Dearco Glass, Paint and Decorating are on target, with hopes of enclosing the new building in the next month or so, according to Randy Mallmann, general manager.
“We expect to have the building enclosed by the time the snow flies,” he said. “We’ll start moving equipment in after Jan. 1. There will be a lot of little things to do then, but we should be operational by spring.”
The new building is 33,600 square feet and sits directly west of but not attached to the existing building at 1495 E. Green Bay St.
Mallmann said the decision to keep the buildings separate is partly due to each being on a different lot. If ever there comes a time to sell one of the lots, it could be done without affecting the other.
“The new building will house much of our production and storage,” Mallmann said. “The current building will be for the main office and the retail side.”
He said plans are to add a new cutting table and improve other production lines to increase efficiency. Office and retail space will be expanded in the existing building.
“We really just need more space,” Mallmann said. “We’re busting at the seams. This was an old Pick ’N’ Save store, and we’ve been here 30 years.”
Dearco ownership has been seriously considering an expansion the past three years and decided now was the time to act.
The company employs 62 people, and Mallmann expects to add half a dozen or so after the new building is operational.
“Also part of the efficiency will be using our existing staff to do other things, which will be easier all under one roof,” he said.
Earlier this year, city of Shawano officials agreed to a 10-year tax rebate to aid in Dearco’s $1.6 million expansion.
Instead of using city money up front to aid in the building of infrastructure for the new building, Dearco will receive a rebate on its paid taxes from 2026-34. The credit will total $230,802.
“The city has been fantastic to work with,” Mallmann said. “They’ve been great.”
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
