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Garner Industries Plans Location Change After Destructive Tornado

By Chase Porter Jul 16, 2024 | 11:46 AM

Damage to the Garner Industries building. (Courtesy: Garner Industries)

Garner Industries is bouncing back with plans to move to a new manufacturing building, after a violent EF-3 tornado ripped through their building outside of Lincoln in April.

The CEO of Garner Industries Scott McClain appeared before the Lincoln City Council on Monday, announcing the company has relocated their corporate offices to UNL’s Innovation Campus on North 21st Street and Salt Creek Roadway, and requesting zoning changes to relocate their assembly operations near 35th and Superior.

Following a suspension of the rules, the council approved the zoning change for the 2.7 acre plot of land to allow Garner to replace and operate the machines needed for the manufacturing work it does.

“Your affirmative vote will immediately save jobs, increase our market competitiveness, and provide us with a foundation for future growth — that means more jobs,” said McClain told the council.

A week after the twister struck, Garner Industries laid off 62 employees. Approximately 70 employees continued to be employed by Garner’s “BinMaster” operation.

Monday’s vote will allow the company to order new equipment and be flexible with machine operations, which they expect to begin in September or October. Garner’s corporate office lease agreement with Innovation Campus will last five years.