The Shopko building on the west side of Clarion has sat empty since the middle of 2019. In the years that followed, various city and county entities tried to interest a variety of companies and businesses in the space, with no success. Finally, late last year, the building was sold. And it was to none other than a local institution: Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics (ISH).
While they won’t be seeing patients at the location or opening a new specialty clinic, ISH is looking forward to using the space for something important to their operations. They will use the space as a distribution center. And this acquisition comes at an important time for the hospital.
Ashley Recknor, ISH Specialty Services Officer, explained, “The hospital continues to grow and add different outreach clinics and services. And because of that, real estate within our buildings is at a premium.” She added that because of the need for space, they are excited that ISH was able to purchase the old Shopko. They will use the space to bring together the purchasing teams from the Clarion and Belmond locations.
Loritta LaRue, ISH Materials Leader, explained that newly acquired building will be used to receive, organize and distribute everything the hospitals and clinics need to function. “We’re talking about needles, gloves, bandages, IV fluids, and all those supplies that a hospital needs,” said LaRue.
With one centralized storage room, ISH will be able to streamline their distribution. “It will be easier to maintain with one location,” said LaRue.
She also noted that the new big building will let them do more bulk ordering. “Right now we just don’t have the space for that.” Recknor agreed, “Up until now, we have been doing a lot of ‘just in time’ ordering. So the distribution center will allow more breathing room.” This is especially important as supply issues and back orders are becoming an increasing concern.
ISH staff is also happy that the distribution center will take the pressure off their current buildings. “We’ll have a lot less traffic at the hospitals now,” said Chad Ketchum, ISH Maintenance Leader. “We won’t have to worry about semis getting into tight spaces like they do now.” Ketchum added that the old Shopko building is convenient since it already has overhead doors and a loading dock.
“The ease of access will make a huge difference out there,” said LaRue.
Hospital personnel are also pleased that their purchase helps in other areas considering local economic development. They will be hiring for some positions including couriers at the distribution center. Recknor said they are also happy to fill a building that was sitting empty. “The hospital is always happy when they can invest locally and keep our dollars in the area.”
ISH hopes the distribution center will be up and running by mid-May.
