LeedsWorld may put up 2nd building in office park

LeedsWorld Inc., a distributor of business accessories and promotional items, needs more room and may construct another office building in the Westmoreland Business & Research Park in Upper Burrell and Washington townships, where it already employs 650.

Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. approved a pair of 12-month option agreements Thursday -- one for a possible new office building and more warehousing space, and the other to expand parking -- a package comprising almost 18 acres in the business park.

"We need more space for our product line and our workers, and, potentially, more office space," said Martin Vuono, chief financial officer for LeedsWorld.

The company and county economic development officials agreed to an option on two lots consisting of 11.35 acres in the business park for $317,800. Leeds plans to evaluate the site for a separate office building and expand its current 77,000-square-foot warehouse by an additional 124,000-square feet --- growth that would bring the company's total square footage in the park to almost 342,000.

The expansion would be supported by a state economic development assistance package worth more than $1.7 million, according to county officials.

"It's (money) not in hand, but its something we'll apply for; and it will be used for various costs related to construction of the building," Vuono said.

Leeds is engaged in the promotional products industry. It primarily prints logos of companies on business accessories, such as duffel bags, writing pads, tote bags and golf equipment. The company sells the products to a distributor network.

Leeds initially set up shop in the business park in 1998, when it constructed a 100,000-square-foot building in the Business & Research Park. Since setting up shop in Westmoreland County, Leeds has quietly boosted employment levels from 85 to about 650 workers.

"It's been steady growth for them since they've been here. They have been a pleasant surprise," said Larry J. Larese, executive director of the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp.

Larese said, if the expansion goes as planned, Leeds conceivably could add another 100 jobs within three years.

Vuono said any employment growth would be "gradual," depending upon business and market conditions.

The county and LeedsWorld also signed a 12-month option on about 6.56 acres in the business park for $183,680. Leeds plans to buy the lot for parking facilities.