Worldlawn celebrates opening of new facility
Worldlawn Power Equipment celebrated the grand opening of its new facility in Beatrice, Neb., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 23. The event took place nearly a year after the company cemented its decision to relocate its U.S. headquarters in Beatrice from its 100,000-square-foot facility in Industrial Park with the acquisition of a 275,000-square-foot property one block west of highway 77 at 401 N. Commerce St. Worldlawn acquired the new building as a means for diversification, expansion and solidifying the marketing chain while increasing brand awareness.
Joining Worldlawn President Hardy Shao and staff for the celebration were many prominent local and state officials, including Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts; Beatrice Mayor Stan Wirth; and representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, city of Beatrice, and NGage.
“We are very lucky to have Worldlawn in Gage County,” said NGage Executive Director Walker Zulkoski. “Walking their facility and seeing Hardy interact with their dedicated employees shows the commitment to their employees, their families, and the city of Beatrice.”
Worldlawn General Manager Dan Overfield welcomed everyone to the event, and President Shao followed him with brief comments about his journey at Worldlawn. Then, Governor Ricketts spoke about the importance of international engagement and how it benefits the state of Nebraska. “Worldlawn’s expansion with this new facility in Beatrice is a great example of how international engagement helps bring investment and jobs to our state and shows the world that Nebraska is open for business,” said Ricketts. “My administration has focused on encouraging more investment in our state. Last fall, I met personally with Mr. Wang, the chairman of Worldlawn’s parent company, to thank him for his investment in Nebraska and to encourage more engagement with the state.”
Following Governor Ricketts, Mayor Wirth said, “Worldlawn has quickly become an integral part of Beatrice. Hardy committed himself to the community and has built trusted relationships with area leaders. I’m proud to have Worldlawn as a partner and friend.”
The ceremony closed with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by light refreshments and public tours of the facility for anyone interested.
“Worldlawn is an excellent company, and we’re excited about their continued investment in Beatrice with this expansion,” said Courtney Dentlinger, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “This shows a commitment to the community and confidence in our Nebraska workforce.”
Worldlawn Power Equipment was established in California in 2004, but it has been in the Beatrice area since 2011 when the company purchased Encore Manufacturing. Currently, Worldlawn has 25-plus employees, and plans to increase staffing in the management, sales and marketing departments.
