Peerless Products, Inc., a Fort Scott, Kansas-based manufacturer of architectural and commercial windows and doors, expanded operations with the purchase of the 150,000 square foot former Endurance manufacturing facility in Iola, Kansas. The company plans to create between 100-120 jobs over the next five years.

The expansion of their operations will allow the company to begin to diversify their product line by moving into commercial windows. Peerless will expand into the former Endurance facility at 2702 North State Street, according to Thrive Allen County.

Coby Jones, President of Peerless, hailed the purchase of the Iola facility as, “the next phase of a new period of growth and diversification for Peerless. With our continued growth in Fort Scott, of where we currently have 400 employees, we needed to find additional space for the creation and production of our new G800 product line that we believe will be a leader in commercial low-rise windows. We pride ourselves in being best in class, and we intend to continue and build upon that reputation in Iola.”

The State of Kansas, City of Iola, and Allen County all partnered to provide an incentives package to Peerless that was key to its expansion decision. The local partners’ incentives package includes abatement on the facility, plus $125,000 in direct financial assistance toward additional facility improvements needed to accommodate operations.

Josh Granere, who will become the Plant Manager for the Iola facility added, “I enjoyed meeting representatives from the Iola City Council, Allen County Commission and Iola Industries as they toured our Ft. Scott facility and we discussed plans for the expansion into Iola. Working with these partners and Thrive Allen County has been productive and enjoyable. It’s always great to see partners come together to bring growth to our community.”

“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.”

Lisse Regehr, President and CEO of Thrive Allen County, noted that, “This exciting announcement highlights the great, inviting community we have which makes us attractive to manufacturers who will continue to grow jobs and diversify our industrial base. The support from the Iola City Council and the Allen County Commission played a key role in attracting Peerless to the Iola facility. Economic growth is very viable in our area, especially when we work together as a community to highlight the assets and amenities we have to offer that set us apart from others.” Thrive Allen County is the Economic Development arm of Allen County through a contract between Allen County Government, the City of Iola, and Iola Industries, Inc.