HAVERHILL, MA (BRAIN)—Pedro’s will relocate from a business park in Wilmington, Massachusetts to a century-old former shoe factory in nearby Haverhill this weekend.
The company has signed a lease with owners of the Burgess Building, where Pedro’s headquarters and research and development facility will reside, said Christopher Zigmont, Pedro’s CEO.
Pedro’s fulfillment warehouse will move to a new spot less than two miles away.
For the past 18 months, Pedro’s has been leasing space from its former owner, Swix Sport USA, although the plan was always to find a new location, Zigmont said.
“I think when we bought the business away from Swix, we wanted to move to a more ideal location that better fit our brand and fit us better into the cycling community,” Zigmont said.
Zigmont found the historic Haverhill building back then and has kept on eye on it ever since.
“There are very good real estate deals to be had, the timing was right to strike,” he said.
The Pedro’s space in the seven-story, multi-business Burgess Building has been overhauled with environmental sustainability on the mind.
Upgrades include energy-efficient lighting, thermal, double-hung windows, recycled carpet, bamboo cubicle structures, ultra-low VOC paint, dual-flush toilets, a kitchen crafted from reclaimed materials and top-rated Energy Star appliances.
“The move for us was driven by the desire to take our people out of cars and put them on bikes or public transportation,” Zigmont said. “Our new location is across the street from a rail line served by both Boston’s commuter train and Amtrak, which allows visitors and employees alike to leave the car at home.
“By abandoning the corporate park in the middle of nowhere and integrating the company into a resurgent city such as Haverhill, everybody benefits. By utilizing an existing structure, we demonstrate both cost savings and environmental value in a city's landscape. We hope it’s an inspiration for others.”
The new location puts Pedro’s next door to Mavic, and Zigmont anticipates some friendly competition on the road between employees at the two companies.
“The lunchtime world championships are going to heat up around here,” he quipped.
Pedro’s new address is 147 Essex Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 USA. The phone number has changed to (978) 657-7101 and fax line is (978) 657-6564. Inbound and outbound freight will be handled at: Pedro’s Incorporated 113 Neck Road, Unit 4 Haverville, MA 01836.
—Nicole Formosa
