Geothermal heat pump manufacturer WaterFurnace International recently broke ground on its sizeable headquarters expansion next to the Fort Wayne, Ind., international airport. The renewable energy company is investing $14 million to more than double its existing 115,000-square-foot footprint at 9000 Conservation Way.
Designed to adapt as the company continues to grow, the expansion is equipped with several features that allow for future state-of-the-art enhancements and align with WaterFurnace’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices. Slated to incorporate 173,000 square feet of new Fort Wayne office space, the expansion will be 100% heated and cooled by WaterFurnace geothermal heat pumps drawing from renewable energy of the existing pond loop on the property.
The extra space will allow the company more flexibility to increase operating efficiency and production capabilities required to meet growing customer demand. The headquarters extension reportedly comes after two record-breaking years for the company that were largely driven by the societal shift away from fossil fuels; growing demand for renewable energy technologies; and green government policies, such as the currently available 30% federal tax credit for geothermal systems.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the community,” said John Thomas, CEO of WaterFurnace International. “We’re investing in this $14 million project because we’re committed to growing as a renewable technology leader from right here in Fort Wayne. With 320 dedicated employees, we are poised to lead the industry with our advanced products and exceptional service as the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise.”
The Fort Wayne office market has stood out in recent years for sustainability-minded office projects, such as the redevelopment of the 18-building former General Electric campus. Rebranded as Electric Works, the campus was redesigned to become a future-ready, mixed-use innovation district that would include headquarters office space; a coworking and shared workspace hub; STEM-centered laboratory facilities; medical office space; and community-oriented components.
Notably, Fort Wayne has grown into one of the best U.S. markets to rent office space: Average asking rate data at the start of the year showed that Fort Wayne was a top contender for companies looking to rent the most office space. The Indiana market stood out as a top option for both for class A and class B office space.
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