Shorr Packaging Corp., Aurora, Ill., USA, celebrated its new 242,732 sq. ft. headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week, at 4000 Ferry Road in Aurora. Shorr's new state-of-the-art building is one of Aurora's newest business developments.

At the ceremony, Shorr employee-owners, along with David Shorr, CEO, and Craig Funkhouser, president and COO, welcomed several local dignitaries and officials, including Congressman Randy Hultgren, Congressman Bill Foster, and DuPage County Board Member Tonia Khouri. Other speakers included Aurora City Chief Development Services Officer Bill Wiet, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Tom Weisner. Michelle Michals, Illinois Department of Commerce, also spoke on behalf of Governor Bruce Rauner. In addition, other elected officials present were State Senator Linda Holmes, State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, and Mayor Steven Chirico of Naperville.

"I could not be more thrilled for David Shorr and the entire Shorr Packaging Co. on the grand opening of their new Aurora corporate headquarters and warehouse. Shorr has a long history of great service," noted Congressman Randy Hultgren. "We should keep celebrating the company's recognition as the 2015 ESOP Company of the Year by the Illinois Chapter of the ESOP Association, its new facility, and the 140 new jobs the expansion will create. Businesses like Shorr are the engines that will help get our economy back on track and provide meaningful work and opportunity for our residents."

Following the ceremony, tours of the new building were given to highlight the work done by Duke Realty, Harris Architects, and Thomas Interiors. The bright, open design features a more conducive office space and a much larger warehouse. The location now serves as the distribution hub for the entire Chicagoland area.

"I want to congratulate Shorr Packaging on the opening of their new corporate headquarters and warehouse in Aurora," said Congressman Bill Foster. "This area has always had a strong tradition of business growth and opportunity and it's why so many companies, like Shorr, choose to invest and build their businesses right here. This new facility will provide many good job opportunities and will add to the economic strength of our community."

The new building includes 32-foot clear ceiling heights, 53-by-52-ft. column spacing, and office space on the first and second floors. Two drive-in doors and twenty 9-by-10-ft. dock doors were incorporated into the structural precast panel building. The new location also includes 156 automobile parking spaces and a 185-ft. deep truck court.

Additional energy conservation efforts were made in building considerations. Shorr chose to install LED lighting technology throughout the building and surrounding property. HVLS destratification warehouse fans were installed and the HVAC system upgraded with a BAS (building automation system) to increase cooling efficiency.

"Shorr Packaging demonstrates outstanding commitment to our community," mentioned Tonia Khouri, chairwoman of DuPage County's Economic Development Committee. "With deep roots in Aurora, Shorr's leaders knew the new location was the place, given the business-friendly approach DuPage County offers. We congratulate Shorr on this new corporate headquarters and warehouse. And we are gratified to celebrate them as partners that make DuPage County such a great home for our people and businesses." The construction and development of the exterior and interior of the building along with the final operational transitions were completed in April 2016.

"Shorr will continue to focus on innovation and growth to consistently serve customers and provide them with the packaging industry's most knowledgeable and experienced packaging professionals," said David Shorr. "We are proud to share this great news with the community and are very committed to make a continued contribution to the economic success of Aurora and the surrounding communities. As we continue to expand, our goal is to carry on our 'entrepreneurial' spirit by continuing to recruit and develop local talent."

Shorr Packaging Corp. is one of the nation's oldest and largest independent distributors of packaging materials and equipment. A 100% employee-owned company, it specializes in comprehensive packaging solutions for businesses of any size and industry, Shorr represents automated equipment lines from industry leaders such as 3M, Lantech, Combi, Sealed Air, and Wexxar/BEL that utilize state-of-the-art technology to streamline the entire packaging process. Shorr's wide selection of packaging and shipping supplies includes corrugated products, carton closure, pallet unitization products, protective packaging and flexible packaging, plus extensive capabilities in customized corrugated design.