New Facility Stimulates Local Economy, Provides Cost Savings to Organization

OATS, Inc. has begun construction of a new Northeast Regional facility in Macon, Missouri. The new facility, which has an anticipated completion date of June 2012, is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will not only stimulate the local economy but will also result in cost savings for the not-for-profit organization.

The Northeast Region is comprised of 16 Missouri counties, with current headquarters in Shelbina, Missouri. The new facility in Macon will be located at highways 63 and 36, providing superior access for drivers who serve the region. In addition to the location benefits, the new facility will also include a state of the art administration building, a bus barn for secure vehicle storage and bus wash facilities.

Besides being built with all American-made materials, the project will also utilize all local contractors. Connie Schwada of Schwada Builders, the builders selected for the project says “A number of our employees are from the Macon area, so that means less driving time and less money spent on fuel. And the money that is spent will stay in our communities, benefitting the local economy.” Schwada also states that they have been able to hire another five employees since the bid was awarded.

Other decisions about the building also make the project fiscally responsible. Jennifer Wilson, Architect, dba of nFORM Architecture, LLC., the firm selected for the project, says “The buildings are designed with energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems. These energy efficient systems should help with long term economic costs.” Wilson also says that “The building and site are designed to efficiently accommodate OATS functions now and in the future.”

Due to unpredictable weather in Missouri, the current challenge is to complete all the dirt work, get the concrete poured, and enclose the building prior to winter beginning. Schwada says “We are looking forward to working with our build team. We will do everything possible to turn out a top quality project.”

Sheree Webb, Northeast Regional Director is excited about the new facility. She says she is most looking forward to the added space, stating that they have long outgrown the current facility.