In The News

Retail Supplier For Correctional Facilities Chooses West Chester for Expansion

December 15, 2020  |  Walkenhorst's
Walkenhorst's

Walkenhorst’s, a supplier of mail order and online retail products to inmates at state prisons across the country and headquartered in Sparks, NV, announced plans to establish a logistics and distribution operation in West Chester Township. Walkenhorst’s will create 60 new jobs and create $2.2 million in new payroll at the new facility—the company’s first location east of the Mississippi River, REDI Cincinnati announced in December.

 

“We are excited about opening a new distribution center closer to many of our high-growth areas, said Josh Walkenhorst, president of Walkenhorst’s. “Ultimately, getting our products closer to our customers will allow us to offer faster ship times and provide better customer service.”

 

Walkenhorst’s has experienced steady growth during the last few years and identified the need for a location closer to its clients in the Midwest and east coast to cut shipping times. Walkenhorst’s considered several other locations for the new logistics and distribution facility, including Pittsburgh; however, the Cincinnati region emerged as the clear choice because of its proximity to customers and competitive costs. With many in-person visits at prisons being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walkenhorst’s is doing its best to help the incarcerated population by making delivery more convenient and efficient. With its new operation in West Chester, Walkenhorst’s will be able to serve more customers with faster service and alleviate the strain on capacity at its Nevada facility.

 

“With 60% of the U.S. population within a one-day drive from the Cincinnati region, Walkenhorst’s decision to grow in West Chester means it will be able to serve its growing market presence with ease,” said Brandon Simmons, REDI Cincinnati vice president of project management. “We appreciate the partnership with JobsOhio and the Ohio Development Services Agency to support Walkenhorst’s growth.”

 

A JobsOhio Economic Development Grant and Job Creation Tax Credit from the State of Ohio will support Walkenhorst’s growth in West Chester.