Ground broken for plastics factory relocation

Construction of a major manufacturing plant in Storey County started Wednesday in the 207-acre Patrick Business Park just east of Sparks.

The 333,000-square-foot Royal Sierra Extrusions plant will manufacture vinyl construction materials such as decking that does not warp, splinter or need painting.

Royal Sierra, owned by Royal Group Technologies LTD of Canada, opened with 10 workers in a 40,000-square-foot plant in Sparks in 1994 and has since expanded to 250,000 square feet and 130 employees. The new plant in the Storey County industrial area will employ up to 160 employees.

"By locating in Dermody Properties' Patrick Business Park, Royal Group brings significant economic impact to Storey County, including jobs for many area residents," said Gov. Kenny Guinn. "However, every Nevada citizen benefits when we work to further diversify our economic base and to support strong business enterprise within this state."

Royal Group Technologies' long-range plans include a series of plants in the park to meet a growing need for plastic home improvement and consumer products. Other Royal products include PVC window coverings, siding, fencing, doors, indoor storage systems and outdoor storage sheds, as well as the extrusions called profiles that are assembled into vinyl windows.

The business park, next to Interstate 80 at the Patrick Exchange 12 miles east of Sparks, is part of the 102,000-acre Asamera Ranch. Developers at Dermody Properties say it will be the world's largest industrial park when fully developed.

The former ranch, now known at the Tahoe/Reno Industrial Park, is three-quarters in Storey County, with one-quarter stretching into Lyon County.

Royal Sierra will become a neighbor to SanMar, an apparel manufacturer leasing a 420,000-square-foot building. Construction of another 330,000-square-foot facility is in progress at the park.