Peerless Architectural Windows and Doors Announces Purchase of Former Endurance Facility
Manufacturer to Diversify Product Line and Create Jobs in Allen County
(IOLA, KAN.) Peerless Products, Inc., a Fort Scott, Kansas-based manufacturer of architectural and commercial windows and doors announced today the purchase of a 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Iola, Kan. The expansion intends to create between 100-120 full-time jobs in Iola over the next five years.
Peerless produces high-performance architectural aluminum windows and doors for new construction, replacement and historical construction for high-rise and institutional buildings. The expansion of their operations will allow the company to begin to diversify their product line by moving into commercial windows. Peerless will expand into the former Endurance facility at 2702 North State Street.
Peerless’ expansion project is the largest job announcement in Allen County since Russell Stover announced construction of a new plant in Iola in 1994. This expansion will bring updates and improvements to the Endurance facility to meet with Peerless’ best in class standards for their products, customers and employees. In April, Endurance announced the closure of their Iola facility along with the loss of the 20 jobs housed there to produce downhole pump products.
Coby Jones, President of Peerless, hailed the purchase of the Iola facility as, “the next phase of a new period of growth and diversification for Peerless. With our continued growth in Fort Scott, of where we currently have 400 employees, we needed to find additional space for the creation and production of our new G800 product line that we believe will be a leader in commercial low-rise windows. We pride ourselves in being best in class, and we intend to continue and build upon that reputation in Iola.”
“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County,” Governor Kelly said. “With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.”
“I’m honored to help celebrate a significant economic development win for our state—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Peerless Products and the workforce in Iola and Southeast Kansas,” Secretary Toland said. “Congratulations to Peerless and to our local partners on making this ambitious vision for growth a reality.”
The State of Kansas, City of Iola, and Allen County all partnered to provide an incentives package to Peerless that was key to its expansion decision. The local partners’ incentives package includes abatement on the facility, plus $125,000 in direct financial assistance toward additional facility improvements needed to accommodate operations.
Local leaders hailed the announcement as another sign of progress in Allen County and the Southeast Kansas region. “We are thrilled Iola has been selected for Peerless’ expansion project,” said County Commission Chairman Bill King. “We look forward to the growth of their new product line, the addition of jobs to Allen County, and the partnerships that will grow between Peerless, the county and the city of Iola as Peerless becomes part of the Allen County community.”
City of Iola Mayor Jon Wells said “Attracting a company like Peerless into Iola is a big win on any day, but to do so during a time our nation is struggling economically is even more of a windfall. Knowing we will continue to see growth in the Peerless facility that will positively impact our residents and economy brings renewed optimism during what has been a very uncertain time in our country’s history. Peerless is known as best in class and works to be the employer of choice in the region. We are excited for the future of Peerless’ new product line and their growth in Iola.”
Josh Granere, is currently the Purchasing and Scheduling Manager who took the lead on the Peerless expansion into Iola, said, “It felt serendipitous to us when the Endurance building became available. I’m an Allen County resident and want to see continued investment here. Having worked for Peerless for more than ten years, I know the quality of the work, the respect and care for our employees, and the attention to customer service we provide is second to none. Peerless will be a strong community partner and bring jobs and pride to Iola.” Granere, will become the Plant Manager for the Iola facility also added, “I enjoyed meeting representatives from the Iola City Council, Allen County Commission and Iola Industries as they toured our Ft. Scott facility and we discussed plans for the expansion into Iola. Working with these partners and Thrive Allen County has been productive and enjoyable. It’s always great to see partners come together to bring growth to our community.”
Lisse Regehr, President and CEO of Thrive Allen County, noted that, “This exciting announcement highlights the great, inviting community we have which makes us attractive to manufacturers who will continue to grow jobs and diversify our industrial base. The support from the Iola City Council and the Allen County Commission played a key role in attracting Peerless to the Iola facility. Economic growth is very viable in our area, especially when we work together as a community to highlight the assets and amenities we have to offer that set us apart from others.” Thrive Allen County is the Economic Development arm of Allen County through a contract between Allen County Government, the City of Iola, and Iola Industries, Inc.
