Ewing Continues Growth in Florida Despite Weak Economy

Viewing Florida’s tremendous opportunity for growth, Ewing Irrigation Products, a nationwide distributor of landscape, irrigation and industrial products, has opened two new locations in the Florida Panhandle and is scheduled to open two Orlando branches in the fall.


“Despite a challenging economy, our strategy has always been focused on continued growth and development,” said Douglas W. York, president of Ewing. “Since the 1920s, Ewing has seen its share of poor economic conditions, but instead of halting growth operations and consolidating locations, we have always elected to open more stores.”


According to a 2005 economic impact study conducted by the University of Florida, Florida maintains the second largest environmental horticulture market, ranking second to California in overall industry value.


“Though Florida has been hit hard by the housing market, Ewing still sees a lot of opportunity,” York added. “With the current drought situation, there is a growing demand for a company who is devoted to outdoor water conservation initiatives and education programs. We intend to serve Florida landscape professionals in these areas, and help them keep their business in line with drought regulations.”


Now open for business, the 6,600-sqaure-foot Tallahassee store and warehouse marks Ewing’s second location in the Tallahassee market. Albritton Williams, Inc. performed exterior and interior renovations on the existing building located at 3707 Apalachee Parkway. Ewing’s other Tallahassee facility is located at 3739 Peddie Drive.


Designed and constructed by Shumaker Construction, Ewing’s Panama City Beach branch is now serving industry professionals in the western Panhandle region. The 10,500-square-foot store and warehouse is located at 100 Estes Place.


With the recent acquisition of two existing warehouse facilities in the greater Orlando area, Ewing will open its first two Orlando locations, marking its first market entrance south of the Panhandle.


The Sanford branch located at 300 Hickman Drive is scheduled to open at the beginning of October. The 20,000-square-foot Orlando facility located at 5345 LB McLeod Road is slated to open in November. Both locations are being renovated by an internal facilities team and retrofitted to meet Ewing warehouse standards.


Ewing first entered the Florida market in 2004 with the acquisition of Irrigation Solutions, a one-store operation located in Fort Walton Beach.