In a significant development for the local economy, SVN, KD Lanclos & Associates led by Damien Lanclos NE Aiken, LLC and The Finem Group at Meybohm Commercial has successfully facilitated the sale of a 154,000-square-foot industrial warehouse in Aiken, South Carolina, marking a major step forward for the area's manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Located at 2063 University Parkway, the property known as the old Phelon Building is ideally situated just a short drive from USC Aiken and approximately 4.5 miles from I-20, benefiting from an average daily traffic of 9.7K vehicles. The warehouse features 121,978 square feet of space with ceiling heights ranging from 24' to 22' and includes 19' of clear height throughout the majority of the area. It is equipped with a comprehensive sprinkler system, a heavy-duty power supply, and a thick concrete slab floor capable of supporting various industrial uses. Additionally, the facility offers ample parking with 215 car spaces and 40 truck spaces, alongside four grade-level doors and eight dock-height doors, facilitating versatile loading options. A significant portion of the TPO roofing was updated seven years ago, and the building's column spacing varies between 44' and 33', allowing for flexible layout configurations.

The warehouse was acquired by Columbia Vehicle Group, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of electric and low-speed vehicles and part of the Nordic Group of Companies (Baraboo, Wisconsin). The strategic features of the property perfectly cater to Columbia Vehicle Group’s operational needs, providing scalability and operational efficiency. This move will see Columbia relocating its manufacturing operations from Florida and Wisconsin to Aiken County, bringing them closer to customers and their supply chain. The company’s $12.2 million investment is expected to create 180 new jobs in the area.

Part of the Nordic Group of Companies, Columbia produces highly customized electric / zero-emission vehicles for industrial and commercial, residential and government applications under the Columbia and Tomberlin brands. Their products, including task oriented and personal vehicles and e-bikes, are distributed worldwide. Columbia is relocating its manufacturing operations from Florida and Wisconsin to Aiken County to be closer to customers and its supply chain. The company will purchase and upgrade the 154,480-square-foot facility at 2063 University Parkway in Aiken. Operations will be phased in over the next 18 months. Interested individuals can email [email protected]. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project and awarded Aiken County a $100,000 Set-Aside grant for building improvements

“We’ve been investing in great communities since 1947 with Aiken being a superb fit to our continued global expansion of the Tomberlin and Columbia brands. It has been a pleasure working with Aiken County and the S.C. Department of Commerce.” -Columbia Vehicle Group CEO Michael Tomberlin

John Eckley, CCIM, MBA, industrial broker with a focus on manufacturing facilities, representing the seller, highlighted the significance of this transaction, stating, "This sale is a testament to Aiken's appeal, reflecting its robust workforce and quality of life. The unique attributes of 2063 University Parkway provided a singular opportunity in the market. We are proud to have facilitated this significant investment in the local industrial sector." "It is with great pleasure that I extend my highest recommendation for John Eckley. One of the most impressive aspects of working with John was his deep understanding of the market dynamics, which became evident when he attracted a manufacturing user willing to pay significantly above our expected price. Throughout the process, John demonstrated exceptional professionalism. He skillfully coordinated various inspections, worked effectively with the local development authority, and ensured that every aspect of the transaction was handled efficiently. Ultimately, John's negotiation skills were key to the successful outcome. He adeptly located two strong buyers, leveraging their offers against each other to achieve a contract price near our asking price. I confidently recommend John to anyone seeking top-tier service in commercial real estate.”

Damien Lanclos, who represented the buyer, noted the strategic importance of the acquisition: "Securing the facility at 2063 University Parkway represents a strategic victory. Its location and capabilities align perfectly with our client's long-term growth and operational expansion plans. This facility will be instrumental in enhancing our manufacturing capabilities."  Sonja Stauffacher, General Manager of NE Aiken added her comments by saying, "As a company, transacting across the world, we were glad to add this asset to fuel our company's growth.  Further, we were very fortunate to have SVN's Damien Lanclos as a highly experienced practitioner navigate us through the deal.  Damien had a very steady hand throughout each aspect of the transaction, even after the property closed escrow."  SVN is a National Commercial Real Estate Firm and consistently is ranked as one of the top firms in the Nation, and SVN, KD Lanclos & Associates, led by Managing Director, Damien Lanclos, CCIM, based in Augusta, is consistently ranked as one of their top producers.  The sale not only underscores the burgeoning appeal of Aiken as a prime location for manufacturing and industrial operations but also highlights the expertise of The Finem Group at Meybohm Commercial in driving economic growth through significant real estate transactions. With a blend of national reach and local expertise, The Finem Group remains committed to enriching Aiken's economic landscape and setting a high standard in industrial and commercial real estate services in the region.