Suffolk News-Herald

The nation’s largest wholesale distributor of plumbing supplies, pipes, valves and fittings, water heating and air conditioning products is moving into north Suffolk.

The Newport News-based Ferguson Enterprises Inc. on Wednesday announced plans to open its Hampton Roads regional office/warehouse facility in Northgate Commerce Park.

Construction will begin on the company’s $5.4 million, 64,000-square-foot building immediately, said company spokeswoman Teresa Tuggle. It will take about 10 months to complete.

Forty-five people will be hired to work in the 8,100-square-foot office and 55,900-square-feet distribution center, Tuggle said.

The new Suffolk facility will be Ferguson’s primary Hampton Roads distribution facility, serving customers from Providence Forge to Virginia Beach.

Ferguson selected Suffolk because of its central location within Hampton Roads, said Carlton Harwood, president and general manager of the site.

&uot;After an extensive search, we are confident that Northgate Commerce Park will be a very strategic location, considering the advantages this community has to offer, accessibility to major roadways and the growth potential in Suffolk,&uot; said Harwood.

&uot;After considering attractive alternative locations within southside Hampton Roads … Northgate was the clear choice when it came time to make a final decision,&uot; he said. &uot;We are excited about the opening of our new facility.&uot;

The company has an additional seven acres under option to accommodate future growth, Tuggle said. Future expansion possibilities could include showroom and display areas.

Ferguson will be in the second tenant in the 500-acre Northgate Commerce Park, located at the intersection of Shoulders Hill Road and Portsmouth Boulevard.