CenterPoint Energy Buys Molex Facility in Maumelle for $2.5M

CenterPoint Energy has purchased the former Molex facility at 101 Bringler Drive in Maumelle for $2.5 million, real estate agents for the seller said Thursday.

The 52,126-SF warehouse and office building sits on 10 acres. It was formerly home to Molex Cable Assembly.

“This industrial facility enjoys great access from both Maumelle Boulevard and Murphy Drive and could even lend itself to future development opportunities,” said Justin Bentley of Colliers International Arkansas, who, along with Clark Irwin, represented the seller. “And with its close proximity to I-40 and ample parking, this property was a great fit for CenterPoint.”

CenterPoint Energy represented by John Flake and Thomas Schmidt of Flake & Co. of Little Rock. The deal closed on May 6.

Ross Corson, a spokesman for CenterPoint, said the company aims to use the facility for training.

“Having a structurally-sound, up-to-date training and office facility will ensure that both newly-hired and existing CenterPoint Energy employees from our Arkansas and Oklahoma service areas continue to receive the necessary training and skills to perform at the highest level to continue operating a safe, reliable natural gas system,” he said.

He said the building offers a temperature-controlled space for technology operations employees to install and maintain computers used by field employees in their fleet vehicles.

“The technical field operations employees (leak survey, corrosion, and measurement technicians) will also utilize the facility to store equipment, materials and complete paperwork,” he said in an email.

Colliers International Arkansas also announced that Forever Collectibles leased an additional 200,000 SF at the Little Rock Logistics Center at 104 Champs Blvd. in Maumelle.

The deal expands Forever Collectibles space in the building to 275,000 SF. 

The tenant was represented by Clark Irwin, and the property owner, Glen Una Holdings, was represented by Jim Irwin, also of Colliers International Arkansas.

Built in 1989, the Little Rock Logistics Center is a Class “A” warehouse totaling 500,000 SF on more than 32 acres. It includes parking for 460 and 63 dock-high doors. 

Forever Collectibles plans to expand its e-commerce distribution operation at the warehouse.