Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) is advancing its plans to establish a significant manufacturing presence in Coolidge, Arizona. The consumer goods conglomerate has secured approval from the Coolidge Planning and Zoning Commission for the initial phase of its proposed manufacturing campus. This development marks a pivotal step in P&G’s strategy to expand its production capabilities in the southwestern United States.
Project Overview
P&G’s forthcoming facility is slated to occupy approximately 80 acres within the Inland Port Arizona, a burgeoning industrial hub in Pinal County. The approved site plan details a 358,957-square-foot building, encompassing:
- Manufacturing Space: 162,798 square feet dedicated to the production of fabric care products, including Tide PODS, Downy Unstopables, and Bounce dryer sheets.
- Warehouse Space: 172,924 square feet allocated for storage and distribution purposes.
- Office Space: 12,607 square feet designated for administrative functions.
The facility’s strategic location near Vail Road, with access points along Arica Road, positions it advantageously for logistical operations.
Strategic Significance
This initiative represents P&G’s first new manufacturing site acquisition in the United States since 1971, underscoring the company’s commitment to enhancing its domestic production infrastructure. David Nieves, P&G’s Senior Director of Manufacturing, emphasized the rigorous selection process that culminated in choosing Coolidge, noting that over 600 sites across seven states were evaluated. The decision reflects P&G’s intent to establish a facility capable of efficiently serving the West Coast market.
Current Status and Next Steps
While the site plan has received approval, P&G is presently concentrating on developing essential infrastructure, including water, power, and rail systems, to support the facility’s operations. The company has not yet announced a definitive construction commencement date, as it continues to assess optimal sizing and sustainability considerations for the project. Utilities for the site will be provided by Global Water Resources and Arizona Public Service.
P&G’s investment in Coolidge is poised to contribute significantly to the local economy, aligning with a broader trend of manufacturing growth in Pinal County. The region has recently attracted several major manufacturers, including Kohler Co., which has inaugurated a substantial facility in the area.
Conclusion
The approval of P&G’s site plan for its Coolidge manufacturing campus marks a substantial advancement in the company’s expansion efforts. As P&G progresses with infrastructure development and finalizes construction timelines, the forthcoming facility is anticipated to play a crucial role in bolstering the company’s production capacity and supply chain efficiency, particularly in serving the western United States.
For more detailed information, refer to the original article from the Phoenix Business Journal.