AOC to Build New Headquarters in Western Tennessee
October, 2007 : Collierville, TN
AOC, LLC, a leading global supplier of resins for polymer composites, is breaking ground for new a World Headquarters in Piperton. The new facility will be built across the road and north of AOC’s current headquarters and manufacturing complex on Tennessee State Route 57. AOC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Alpha Corporation of Tennessee.
“When The Alpha Corporation opened for business in 1961, it formed one of the co-founding companies of what is now AOC,” said Randy Weghorst, President and CEO of AOC. “As was their responsibility, the Alpha Corporation Board of Directors reviewed all the options available to build new headquarters for our growing business. At the end of the day, the Board concluded that Western Tennessee continues to be the best place to call home.”
Certified “Green” Building
Using state-of-the-art technologies, the new headquarters will be one of the most environmentally-friendly buildings in Western Tennessee. The facility’s construction has met certification standards under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Especially notable in the building’s Green certification will be a ground water-based GeoExchange system for heating and air conditioning. Such a system requires a higher capital investment upfront. However, over the years, it will contribute to cleaner air for Western Tennessee by reducing the use of carbon dioxide-emitting electric power.
Wherever possible, construction will incorporate products that AOC customers have manufactured with AOC materials. Examples of such products include sinks, countertops, doors, fencing and hand rails.
Leverage growth opportunities
The new headquarters will streamline decision-making and efficiencies by bringing together corporate managers and employees who are currently housed in three different buildings. The current headquarters facility will be retained to serve as the new AOC Technology Center. The new Technology Center will consolidate all corporate research and development personnel, laboratories and equipment.
“Technology is the key to our growth in today’s highly competitive global marketplace,” Weghorst stated. “The new Technology Center will improve our ability to develop and market more comprehensive material systems instead of individual products.”