Warren Distribution, Community Partners Announce Potential $12.8M Expansion

A potential $12.8M, 211,000-square-foot expansion that may create as many as 30 new jobs in Council Bluffs was announced on June 11. Warren Distribution (www.warrendistribution.com) proposes expanding its Council Bluffs River Road warehouse/distribution site to facilitate growing manufacturing and packaging needs of its worldwide operations, pending approval of incentives by the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board and the City of Council Bluffs.

Warren Distribution is a privately owned manufacturer, marketer and distributor of automotive aftermarket products. Headquartered in Omaha, and with additional facilities in Guntersville, AL, Glen Dale, WV, Houston, TX and Shadyside, OH, Warren has had a Council Bluffs presence, including a more than 15-acre, 165,000-square-foot distribution center, since the 1970s.

“We are proud of our long history in Omaha and Council Bluffs, and remain committed to manufacturing, packaging and distributing superior lubricants and performance fluids,” said Bob Schlott, chief executive officer, Warren Distribution. “This expansion affirms our continued collaboration within the region, as well as our desire to provide customers the most comprehensive product experience of its kind.”

Matt Walsh, mayor, Council Bluffs, echoed Schlott’s remarks, “We are in an era of exponential growth and positive change. Advancement is all around us, and with partners such as Warren, we anticipate many, many vibrant opportunities for collective progress ahead.”

Schlott, grandson of corporate founder James Schlott, said the company anticipates breaking ground on the proposed project in Summer 2018.

Warren Distribution’s potential-growth announcement comes as Council Bluffs’ industrial projects continue to gain regional momentum.