Agio moves into new U.S. headquarters

11 acre site contains 100,000-sq.-ft. office and warehouse complex

-- Casual Living, 2/27/2006 7:20:00 AM

Agio International completed its move into a new 100,000-sq.-ft. office and warehouse complex in Virginia Beach, Va., making room for continued growth. Construction of Agio's headquarters was finished last fall and its staff took occupancy in December.    

 The 11-acre site will allow Agio to consolidate administration, marketing and customer service functions. The site allows for additional expansion to nearly 200,000 square feet if needed in the future, according to Bob Gaylord, president of Agio International. "As our company continues to grow, and with annual sales of more than $300 million for 2006, the time is right to invest in a new headquarters complex," Gaylord said. The facility consolidates all business disciplines previously spread between three separate facilities in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Agio does not currently warehouse products in the United States, but it does warehouse most of the components covered by company warranties.  "Our need for such a facility is a testament to Agio's success in spotting consumer trends, producing innovative designs and delivering a stylish and quality product to our retailers," Gaylord said. The new headquarters gives Agio the "elbow room" it needs now and into the future to enhance its customer service capabilities in response to the needs of both the specialty and mass merchant channels, Gaylord said.  In 2005, Agio's toll-free customer service center handled about 50,000 calls for product inquires from consumers, dealer locators and warranty service. With plans for increased consumer advertising and increased product placement in the coming year, Gaylord expects that number to increase in 2006.