Despite the season’s unpredictable weather conditions, construction has continued on Cazenovia Equipment Company’s new headquarters.
After losing its original location in Nelson to fire this summer, the business set its sights on a 64-acre parcel on Route 20 East in the town of Cazenovia. A new 28,400 square-foot structure is planned, and construction is expected to conclude this spring.
“I am pleased that our building is nearing completion,” said Bob Frazee, president of Cazenovia Equipment Company. “We are looking forward to serving our customers from this new state-of-the-art facility by early April.”
Presently, Cazenovia Equipment’s headquarters is still in Nelson, and is run out of temporary office trailers. Frazee said the new structure should be completed by the end of March, with site work being finished in May, weather permitting.
According to Frazee, the building will feature a mezzanine, expansive showroom and maintenance center. The exterior will be a light grey color, with beige and earth-tone accents. Stone work along the base and on the canopy columns will highlight the structural design, which the company thinks will complement the conservative architectural design typical of the area.
Cazenovia Equipment Company will look to have about 23 full-time employees, with an additional seven or eight outside-sales associates and service technicians, as well as delivery and support personnel servicing area customers.
The business plans to hold its first annual career fair, in conjunction with its upcoming “Drive Green Event,” March 21 at the New York State Fairgrounds in the Horticulture Building.
Both events will be open to all students in BOCES and technical programs, studying small engine and diesel mechanics, as well as agriculture. High school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing technical careers with agricultural equipment and technical college graduates are encouraged to attend.
“The workforce of the future needs to prepare with the right education and learn the new technology now embedded in all John Deere equipment,” said Michael Frazee, wholegoods manager at Cazenovia Equipment. “We are taking a proactive approach to encourage young people to pursue education that will qualify them to work with us in the future.”
Representatives from local technical colleges and academic institutions were invited to the career fair to inform attendees of funding opportunities, scholarships and financial aid. Parents or school officials interested in registering participants for the Cazenovia Equipment Company Career Fair can contact Kalin Frazee at 655-8620.
The established farm equipment business, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, has grown to nine other locations across Central New York, including Chittenango, Cortland, Clinton, Herkimer, Oneonta, Lafayette, Sandy Creek, Lowville and Watertown.
More information regarding the company, as well as the upcoming career fair and Drive Green Event can be found at cazenoviaequipment.com.
Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 and [email protected]
