United Pacific Industries opens new location in McKinney

McKinney, Texas - In a significant move aimed at reinforcing its expanding global presence, United Pacific Industries (UPI) – an industry titan known for crafting innovative automotive solutions for both commercial trucks and vintage cars – has announced the inauguration of a new operational hub within the esteemed Core5 Logistics Center, situated in the burgeoning heart of McKinney, Texas. This strategic addition of a new logistical artery is primed to accommodate the escalating trajectory of growth and to streamline operational exigencies that UPI is currently experiencing.

The considerable 279,180-square-foot facility, which now finds itself under UPI's ownership, is located prominently at 3827 N. McDonald St. The meticulously designed complex boasts a coveted geographical position, nestled in a vibrant 16-acre expanse that is strategically sandwiched between Wilmeth and Bloomdale roads. This provides direct access to the crucial artery of State Highway 5, further amplifying the logistical appeal of the location.

The transaction - which unfolded under the discerning eye of Citadel Partners, a prominent corporate tenant real estate advisory agency rooted in Dallas - saw the firm's Managing Partner, Scott Jessen, and Market Principal, Andy Goldston, representing the selling party, Core5 Industrial Partners. Core5, a dynamic entity hailing from Atlanta, was on the receiving end of an engaging negotiation process, which ultimately culminated in the successful sale of the property.

Simultaneously, Dan Spika, a formidable figure holding the prestigious titles of Principal and Executive Vice President within the renowned Henry S. Miller Companies, donned the role of UPI's representation throughout the complex procedure. His expertise and acute understanding of the transaction's intricacies were instrumental in leading UPI to this significant expansion milestone.

“UPI saw the appeal of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as a base of operations,” Jessen said. “This design-build project is one of the first cross-dock buildings of this size built in McKinney during this cycle to serve a growing tenant base. Most industrial users didn’t consider this market before. There were smaller projects under 50,000 square feet. Core5 has demonstrated that McKinney is a great place to be with a strong talent base and corporate tax incentives that make it an attractive option to meet UPI’s evolving business goals.”

McKinney's strategic location makes it an optimal choice to meet the warehousing and freight requirements of United Pacific Industries (UPI), a supplier of USA-assembled parts and accessories to prominent customers including Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Volvo. The Core5 Logistics Center provides beneficial features such as rear-load setups, cross-docking capabilities, and a lofty 32-foot clearance, all aimed at enhancing UPI's warehouse efficiency. In addition, it provides easy access to surrounding airports and vital transport routes like State Highway 121, U.S. Highway 75, and U.S. Highway 380.

“We scoured North Texas searching for a strong location for UPI and this turned out to be the best location just off U.S. Highway 75. In the last three to four years, there have been 300+ companies that have moved to the Dallas area from the West Coast. It’s a lot easier to do business here than in California. There is a lot of land here and we are just a three-hour flight to either coast,” said Spika.

Amid the thriving economic landscape of Dallas-Fort Worth, McKinney has emerged as a prime destination for corporate relocations and expansions, said Madison Clark, the esteemed Director of Business Retention and Workforce Development at the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The surge in the city's economic vitality is predominantly driven by a concatenation of local, state, and federal incentives, coupled with an eminently business-conducive regulatory environment, intensifying the allure of this dynamically expanding Dallas satellite town.

In the preceding years, a synergetic alliance between MEDC and Citadel Partners has resulted in a cascade of economically significant initiatives, notably, the establishment of the Core5 Logistics Center and the proliferation of several industrial spaces. Extolling Core5's transformative role, Goldston asserts, “Core5 has indeed been a pacesetter in McKinney’s burgeoning economic space."

The strategic positioning and unexploited potential of the market rendered it a perfect candidate for Core5's establishment, serving as a catalyst for the burgeoning industrial development. This project can be fittingly termed as the 'vanguard of industrial expansion,' as Goldston implies, “This venture indeed was the spearhead, setting a precedent that's now drawing more earnest scrutiny from larger market players."

Thus, the city of McKinney, brimming with potential and business-friendly policies, is gaining momentum, and attracting the attention of major market influencers. The local economic climate, nurtured by the efforts of MEDC and partners like Citadel, is poised for robust growth, promising a bright future for this thriving Dallas suburb.

“MEDC has had a great relationship working with Citadel Partners. Scott Jessen and Andy Goldston have provided valuable insights on what prospective tenants are seeking in our region,” Clark added. “Until about five years ago, McKinney was significantly underserved in having industrial inventory available on the market. Citadel was one of our frontrunners in bringing development prospects to the table; from a recruitment standpoint, this has been helpful in attracting new businesses like UPI to the area.”

In addition, the real estate advisors at Citadel Partners have connected MEDC with local industry experts to help the nonprofit organization navigate the nuances of development-related impacts.

UPI plans to move into its new headquarters at the Core5 Logistics Center in the second quarter of 2023.