Big Lots chose Durant, Okla., for a regional distribution center. The huge facility will eventually employ 500.

Oklahoma Fares Well
in Downturn

Oklahoma's economy is faring better than those of neighboring states and the nation, according to Oklahoma State University economist Dan Rickman. While employment in the state has experienced slower growth, it continues to post increases throughout the recent recessionary period. The state's strongest areas of employment growth included construction, finance, insurance, real estate and mining. Data collected by the Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce shows investment by new and expanding manufacturers and processors in 2001 topped $315 million.
        Design work began in August on one of the state's largest recent projects in Durant. The Haskell Co. will design and build a 1.2 million square-foot (111,480-sq.-m.) regional distribution center for Big Lots. Durant, near the Texas border, won out among 60 sites, including locations in Missouri and Kansas. Haskell also handled the site selection process for Big Lots.
        The Durant facility, which will eventually employ 500, is the third that Haskell has developed for Big Lots. Available labor and transportation access are the key considerations in making a site choice, says Jess Simmons, development officer with Haskell Development Services.
        "We look for good Interstate access and high unemployment," Simmons says. "We also analyze tax structures quite diligently and we seek non-union sites. Training programs are important. Big Lots does something interesting. They put cafeterias in these facilities and hire handicapped people from the community to work in them in exchange for employee training."
        Simmons says while the site selection process for the facility took a little longer due to acquisitions by Big Lots, a typical search for the company takes about six months. He says Big Lots likes 100-acre (40-hectare) parcels far removed from other distribution centers that might compete for labor.
        Dal-Tile Corp., the largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of ceramic tile in the U.S, chose Muskogee for its latest manufacturing facility, one of the largest in the country. Dal-Tile officials say they selected Muskogee because of Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Program, which provides up to a 5 -percent cash rebate on new payroll; the availability of a trained workforce; rail and water distribution availability; a positive business environment; and the overall quality of life the area offers.