Corporate Expansion & Relocation: plastics industry sees growth in Henderson. (An Advertising Supplement).

Acurrently burgeoning presence by the plastics industry seems to demonstrate Increased interest in the favorable business conditions in Henderson, Nevada. A wide variety of products, from plastic bags and food containers to custom injection molding, are being produced by successful and growing plastics manufacturers in Henderson. Executives with these companies cite a number of advantages to operating here including no state corporate income tax, reliable sources of power, a well-trained labor force, and a central, accessible location.

Companies including Owens-Illinois Plastics Group (formerly known as Continental P.E.T. Technologies, Inc.), Berry Plastics, Armand Manufacturing, Poly-America, and DesLauriers, have found a business climate in Henderson that provides a foundation for success, and that encourages future growth prospects.

Location was often cited as the primary consideration for one of Henderson s oldest plastic manufacturers, as well as the newest company to the growing list. Berry Plastics, which opened its Henderson facility in 1987, produces a complete line of commercial and wholesale food containers in its 180,000-square-foot plant and serves a base of international clients that includes Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Sherwin-Williams, Borden, McDonald s, Burger King and numerous others.

Our proximity to Los Angeles and the access to Southern California allow us to serve clients there as well as compete effectively with some of our competition who still operate in California, said Berry Plastics Safety Manager Jennifer Dartt. Berry is just one of the firms that is able to do business in various geographical areas while enjoying the more favorable economic conditions of Southern Nevada.

Poly-America, Inc., the newest addition to the list of Henderson plastic manufacturers, cited location and the resulting access to suppliers as one of the prime considerations in sighting its new 380,000-square-foot plant in Henderson.

Location is an asset that doesn t change, said Henderson Economic Development Manager Bob Cooper. We are about as close as you can get to the proportional center-of-market for an 11-state western sales region, with a consumer population of more than 60 million. We have full access to major rail, air and highway transportation. Interstate Freeway 15 links Henderson to Los Angeles and Salt Lake City; U.S. Highways 95 and 93 link us to Reno, Phoenix and to 1-40, a major transcontinental route. Also, with the large resort industry here we typically have more freight arriving than leaving, resulting in favorable outbound shipping conditions.

While location may traditionally be the number one business consideration, there are other important issues as well. The availability of a reliable source of electrical power is a number one concern right now, said Tony Dazzio, Nevada Powers executive manager for business planning and growth. We re always working with businesses to ensure they have the necessary infrastructure, and now through new state regulations we re working to ensure the reliability of the power supply.

Dazzio said new regulations in the comprehensive energy package passed by the Nevada legislature will help avoid the problems of other states in their rolling black-outs and spiraling energy costs.

We II be able to hold on to our existing generation facilities, and through new regulations, the state will be able to expedite the permitting for independent power producers, said Dazzio. The legislation also answers solvency issues by allowing us to use deferred energy accounting to recoup costs. We II be able to purchase power on the open market using short, mid, and long-term agreements.

The availability and reliability of people power, or a well-trained readily available work force is another high priority for any new or expanding company. With an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 new residents each month moving to Southern Nevada, the continuing phenomenal population growth provides a large pool of potential employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada ranks first in growth of manufacturing employment with a 4.5% increase from 1999 to 2000, more than double the growth of any other state.

The diversity of our growing population is reflected in the variety of training available through our educational systems here, said City Manager Phil Speight. We have a variety of post-secondary educational opportunities, including our growing university system. We work constantly with local educational resources to ensure they re in tune with the needs of our growing business community.

All indications, based on the future plans of Henderson s plastic manufacturers, are that conditions will remain strong for continued growth. The Poly-America facility in Henderson is operating on a seven to 10-year plan, with an initial workforce of 100 to 150, increasing to 500 by the end of the period. Berry Plastics, which first began operating in Henderson with 30 employees, is now up to more than four times that, with 125. DesLauriers, a smaller operation, which produces test cylinders for concrete and custom injection molding, just tripled the size of its facility to 18,000 square feet and is doubling its workforce to 26 people.

Henderson continues to be the focus of several major companies looking to expand or relocate, and start-ups looking to get off on the right foot. Fueled by the growth of the city, the subsequent new development and infrastructure, and its business-friendly, cost-efficient environment. Henderson s future as a center for businesses of all types remains solid.

Stretching 96 square miles from Lake Las Vegas to the east and the 1-15 on the west, Henderson forms the southern edge of the Las Vegas Valley, the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States.

Henderson s easy access to McCarran International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in the nation, and convenient location between two major freeways connecting Henderson to California, Arizona and Utah, make it an ideal choice for businesses requiring back office facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, regional and even corporate headquarters. Cooper noted that since 1999, 64 non-hospitality, non-retail firms have been attracted to Henderson, contributing more than $600 million to the local economy.

Cooper explained that the city s pro-business atmosphere and the state s favorable tax climate featuring no corporate or personal income taxes significantly helped attract these businesses to Henderson.

The City of Henderson maintains an even more favorable tax climate within Nevada by maintaining one of the lowest base property tax rates of any major incorporated city in Nevada. Henderson has not raised property taxes, with the exception of voter-approved bond issues or overrides, since 1989.

Information for this article was provided by the City of Henderson.