Dental distributor sets Storey plans

Benco Dental Supply Co. plans a distribution center in Storey County that initially will employ about 15.

The company headquartered at Pittston, Pa., expects to invest $2.7 million in its 100,000-square-foot facility at 625 Waltham Way at Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.

The facility will serve West Coast markets for Benco, the largest privately owned full-service dental distributor in the United States. It sells dental technology and provides equipment repair and design of dental offices.

"We considered other states, including California and Utah, but found the business climate in Nevada friendlier and more accommodating," said Lou Mangino, vice president of operations for Benco Dental. "Reno's proximity to the 11 western states and our ability to reach 65 percent of our customers within one day was a selling point, as was the region's workforce, which we've found to be excellent."

Wages will average $13.87 an hour, the company told the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. The state agency estimated the company's economic impact at $16.8 million over 10 years and approved its request for state incentives.

Within two years, Benco expects to employ about 24 at the facility, which it plans to open on May 2.

The company was assisted by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.