Encore Industries building sold, will become a warehouse and logistics hub

CAMBRDIGE − The Encore Industries building at 725 Water St. has sold to John Jack, a local businessman specializing in energy and logistics operations who is utilizing the 200,000-square-foot space for warehousing and distribution for major global brands.

“I can’t say who, but we’re in the midst right now of moving product in,” said Jack. “We’re cleaning everything up and having brand new racking systems installed.”

Jack said 100,000 square-feet of the space is taken by the global company, and they’re repackaging about 5.2 million pounds of pharmaceutical grade material right now. He’s actively seeking other companies who need additional housing for their materials.

“For example, Colgate Palmolive would be a great candidate for it,” said Jack. “Another few companies have us warehouse their product as well.”

He said they’ll look at repackaging for other companies as well.

“We’re going to utilize it to the max,” said Jack. “It might end up being a 24-7 operation with multiple shifts, plus support staff.”

Jack said he’s very interested in hiring local, saying the building could employ up to 25 workers.

“We want to hire local from Cambridge first,” said Jack. “I love hiring local. If they all worked and lived in Cambridge, I’d love it. It’s a benefit of two worlds. I’m finding good talent, and the city is creating jobs, and they don’t have to travel far to go to work.”

Eighty-nine employees were impacted last year when Encore Industries closed. They were notified Sept. 12 and it closed by November.

"The decision to close a plant is always a tough one and not a decision IPL takes without careful consideration, discussion and review," said Steve Gagne, vice president of human resources for IPL North America in an emailed statement to employees last year. "This closure is part of a strategic realignment that will allow us to best serve our customers."

The company made plastic extruded containers, plastic and metal pails, paint sundry products, paint trays and paint tray liners.

Gagne said at the time the facility's injection-molded product lines would be absorbed by three existing plants in Leominster, Massachusetts, Forsyth, Georgia, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Jack also owns another distribution warehouse in Caldwell that ships globally.

“I also opened a company called Icon Logistics Management, which is our transportation arm,” said Jack. “So, we move the product ourselves.”

Anyone interested in employment or warehousing opportunities can reach out to Casandra Abbott at 740-318-0922.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Encore Industries building sold, will become a warehouse and logistics hub