PHOENIX — A U.S.-based paint-roller company now calls Phoenix home.

Premier Paint Roller – which used have its West Coast operations based out of Portland, Oregon – has moved into a new location in Phoenix.

The new location is a 40,000-square-foot space near Buckeye Road and 35th Avenue that will serve as a products distribution center.

CEO Kevin Leichter said he began looking for a new location about a year ago and was very impressed with what Phoenix had to offer from day one.

“When I started this process, I said … ‘I’m looking at a few different cities. I know some people that have had a good experience in Phoenix; obviously, I like the weather. So, out of the gate, you have an advantage,’” he said.

“’But on a serious note, I don’t know one person in the Phoenix area, so I’m going to need your help. And everybody was very, very helpful.’”

Leichter said there were other good reasons for moving to Phoenix.

“If you’re servicing customers on a national level, being in the Southwest – and being in Phoenix – is a lot more desirable than being up in the Pacific Northwest,” he said. “Another reason is that we found Phoenix to be competitive in being able to move product.”

The move, Leichter said, could also help with the company’s new branch in Mexico.

“It’s possible that we could be manufacturing more and more products in Mexico. Moving some of that product up to Phoenix would be more cost-effective than up to Portland, Oregon.”

“The business-friendly environment that has been established in Greater Phoenix is continuing to be a draw for companies who are looking for a place to scale their operations and a community to be a part of,” said Chris Camacho, president, and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “I join our partners from the city of Phoenix in welcoming Premier to Phoenix.”

In addition to Premier Paint Roller’s West Coast operations, it has its headquarters in Richmond Hill, New York, and operations in Shanghai.

The company has been in business for 50 years. It makes paint rollers, brushes, and all kinds of related accessories.

Premier is a family-owned and operated company, going back three generations.

LISTEN: Paint roller maker to Phoenix


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