W&O Doubles Size of Facility in Mobile, Ala.

W&O, supplier of marine valves, pipes, fittings, engineered products and valve automation solutions, announced that its Mobile, Ala. operations have relocated to a new 40,000 square-foot facility to meet the immediate and long-term needs of its rapidly growing business in the region.  The new facility more than doubles available space from the previous location and provides increased efficiency for customers.

Mobile’s strong economic climate combined with W&O’s industry expertise and innovative maritime solutions has helped the company increase its customer base and grow its revenue by more than 30 percent in the Mobile area, facilitating the expansion and relocation of Mobile operations.  With more than 27,000 additional square feet, the new facility increases efficiency with its closer proximity to major shipyards and the Port of Mobile and allows for staging of just-in-time product delivery.

“The new facility streamlines operations and improves our representatives’ ability to work strategically with customers’ engineering, production and purchasing departments,” said Jack Guidry, W&O President and CEO.  “Our industry expertise has resonated with our customers, who are already realizing the advantages that this new facility provides for their business.  We are poising W&O to continue to provide outstanding customer service.”

The larger Mobile facility also allows for the expansion of W&O’s Engineered Products and Services capabilities, which are increasingly in demand within the Mobile region. These services offer specialized valve automation, control services, engineered product assembly, distribution and installation to the marine industry.  The solutions are customized to meet customers’ exact process requirements. 

With more than 90 years combined experience in providing engineered product and automated solutions, W&O’s 13 employees in Mobile have diversified expertise in multiple maritime industries, including offshore oil and gas, shipbuilding and marine maintenance.  This experience and passion for their work transcends into all areas of W&O’s influence, including within the Mobile community.

“The new Mobile facility has followed the lead of our corporate headquarters in Jacksonville to be a responsible corporate citizen in the Mobile community,” said Debbie Garner, Manager of W&O’s Gulf Branches.  “Improvements in energy efficiency, including lighting and HVAC upgrades, increased greenery and recycling programs that are open to the community mirror W&O’s corporate philosophy of environmental responsibility. All proceeds from the recycling program are being donated to local children’s charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mobile County.”

The Mobile facility is also the first W&O branch with a complete fitness center to foster physical activity and overall well being to enhance employee’s quality of life.  The “W&O: We Are Fit” program combines individual and group activities that incorporate educational material to engage employees in physical fitness and overall wellness.  The program involves health checks/seminars, fitness competitions and sponsorship programs. 

(www.wosupply.com)