Sonwil opens operations in South Reno

Sonwil Distribution Center, a global third-party logistics company, headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., has set sights on expanding into markets around the United States.

The first step into that foray was opening new operations in northern Nevada. The company recently moved into a 50,000-square-foot facility on Longley Lane in Reno. Sonwil also is looking at other markets around the country including the Midwest and South, particularly Texas.

Don Dimitroff, chief sales officer for Sonwil, said the company had scouted several locations, before deciding on Reno.

“We looked at several locations, narrowed it down to four and ultimately chose Reno for its strategic location, freight rates, service levels and business-friendly environment,” he said.

Dimitroff indicated the Longley Lane location was more than suitable for its operations. He said the facility had capability to service initial clients, while having enough space for expansion if business prospers as anticipated.

He indicated, however, if business grows exponentially as hoped, the company would explore options for a bigger facility.

Sonwil offers third party logistics solutions for companies in areas like storage, product handling and distribution. It also can provide other capabilities such as reverse logistics solutions as well as transportation options.

Dimitroff said the company services clients outside of the U.S., including Canada and Europe. It also serves just about any industry, except for the chemicals industry, such hazardous waste.

“Part of our motto is that we service from ‘soap to rope,” Dimitroff said with a chuckle.

Sonwil currently employs 10 people in the Reno market. Three employees transferred from Buffalo, including its facility manager. More positions were filled last November, mostly in the warehouse sector. Dimitroff anticipates as business grows, more positions will be available in the future including production, IT staff, and sales/marketing.

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), helped broker the Reno expansion and Dimitroff is more than happy to work with the organization again, in developing its Reno operations.

“EDAWN has been great for us. They have a lot of great programs, including workforce development,” Dimitroff said. “We’ll definitely look into hiring more employees from the area.”

In addition to its Buffalo headquarters, Sonwil operates another facility in Carlstadt, N.J. and has seven other locations scattered across western New York.

The company has been in business for more than 70 years. It’s a third-generation family-owned business with a fourth soon coming on board.

EDAWN met with officials from Sonwil when the company expressed interest in northern Nevada and introduced the company at its March 10 luncheon.

“It was a great opportunity to introduce them to the community and get them settled in,” said Mike Kazmierski, CEO of EDAWN.

Sonwil’s expansion is also a part of the logistics industry boom in the Truckee Meadows.

Kazmierski said he is in discussion with other logistics-related companies interested in moving into the area.