Groundbreaking on Distribution Facility for RJ Schinner in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

The Opus Group (Opus) today announced the start of construction on a 125,000-square-foot building for RJ Schinner, one of the nation's largest independent redistributors of janitorial/sanitation, foodservice and paper products. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held on May 5.

Located at 7530 91st Street Alcove in Southeast Industrial Park in Cottage Grove, the site will accommodate current and future needs with the ability to expand.

“Opus is honored to work with RJ Schinner to build a new distribution center in Minnesota," said Joe Mahoney, senior director of real estate development for Opus. “The collaborative effort with the City of Cottage Grove and Hillcrest Development allowed us to provide a solution to accommodate RJ Schinner's needs."

“This new facility in Cottage Grove will allow us to better serve our customers, with a site that offers convenient access to transportation routes," said Mike Wentland, senior vice president of operation for RJ Schinner. “We are confident in the Opus design-build model and their significant industrial experience, which will provide the outcomes we are seeking for this project."

“I want to thank RJ Schinner for investing in our community. It is always a positive experience to have a business that wants to come and work with us as a community. We view RJ Schinner coming to Cottage Grove as a win-win for everyone. We're excited for the job growth that RJ Schinner is contributing to," said Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey.

The building will have 14 dock doors expandable up to 29, one drive-in door and 30 parking stalls. Located just south of U.S. Highway 61, Southeast Industrial Park offers easy access to major freeway systems and is rail-served by Canadian Pacific. The RJ Schinner facility is the last remaining parcel to be developed in Southeast Industrial Park.

Opus is the developer, design-builder, and architect and structural engineer of record on the project. RJ Schinner purchased the 18.5-acre property from Hillcrest Development, LLLP. The project is slated for completion in Jan. 2024.

About RJ Schinner
RJ Schinner, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisc., is a leader in the redistribution marketplace for foodservice wholesalers, paper wholesalers, janitorial and sanitation (jan-san) wholesalers and grocery supplies. Founded in 1951by Robert J. Schinner Sr., its goal was to bridge the gap between large manufacturers and smaller distributors, merging the buying power of a large company with the accommodating customer service of an independent business. Today the company has 19 branches nationwide and a dedicated delivery fleet ensuring the timely arrival of almost 12,000 SKUs of janitorial/sanitation, foodservice, and paper products.

About The Opus Group
The Opus Group® is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. Opus operates as an integrated, multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets and finance; project management and construction; and architecture and engineering. The Opus Group includes Opus Holding, L.L.C. and its operating subsidiaries: Opus Development Company, L.L.C., Opus Design Build, L.L.C. and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. Specializing in industrial, office, residential, retail and institutional projects, Opus has broad capabilities, deep experience and a proven design-build model that delivers solutions for customers on time and on budget. For more information, visit www.opus-group.com and follow The Opus Group on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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