Gross & Janes moves HQ to Kirkwood, Mo.

Gross & Janes Co., a supplier and shipper of untreated railroad ties, said Monday it is moving its headquarters from Fenton, Mo., southeast of St. Louis, to historic downtown Kirkwood, Mo. The company will occupy approximately 2800 square feet of newly renovated office space at 157 W. Argonne Avenue, across the street from the Kirkwood Train Depot. The lease for the 2nd floor space will commence upon completion of tenant improvements, scheduled for August 1.

The building on Argonne predates 1878, and is part of the Downtown Kirkwood Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of two connected buildings that recently underwent a gut rehab by NEW Holdings, LLC, which purchased the entire structure in 2009.

“Our company has a rich 90-year relationship serving the nation’s railroad industry, and this new location perfectly reflects our culture and our future,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Pourney. “This new space also gives us room to grow, as our business and employment base are on track to increase by 20% this year.”

Gross & Janes generated more than $60 million in revenue during 2010, the company says. It employs 50 people, including six at its headquarters. Founded in 1920, privately held Gross & Janes has processing facilities in Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas, and purchases raw wood materials from more than 175 independent sawmills in 10 states.