Skimlite, a manufacturing company providing pool equipment, today announced that they are hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on May 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST. The event will commemorate the construction of Skimlite’s new 93,600 square foot industrial warehouse business complex located on Centennial Boulevard in Bartow.
The 19-acre site will consist of two 46,800 square foot buildings with flex space that includes office and industrial uses, 160 parking spaces, and five acres dedicated to outdoor storage. Skimlite will occupy approximately 20,000 square feet and the space will serve as their business headquarters.
“The Centennial Business Complex will aid in further marking Polk County as a leader in welcoming businesses focused on growth and bettering the communities in which they operate,” said Barrett Conrad, Skimlite’s President & Chief Executive Officer. Conrad believes that Polk County is the best location for Skimlite, and that’s why he moved the central operations from California to Lakeland in 2021. According to Conrad, “We embarked on this journey to expand operations to the East Coast, and Polk County stood out as the number one location in terms of growth opportunities, as well as a great home for all the families of Skimlite employees.”
“We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Skimlite as they establish their presence in Bartow. Their decision to invest in our community serves as a compelling testament to the opportunities and advantages that Bartow offers to businesses,” said Elle Withall, Bartow Economic Development Council President/CEO. Withall continued, “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to supporting Skimlite’s success and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.”
About Skimlite
Skimlite is a third-generation company originating in California, USA, that has been manufacturing telescoping poles and maintenance equipment in the swimming pool industry since 1954. Skimlite began when founder, Robert Conrad, made the industry’s first lightweight pool skimmer. Additional revolutionary equipment followed and he passed the business on to his son, Jim Conrad, who persisted in the tradition of creating innovative pool equipment while maintaining quality as a core value. The legacy continues under the leadership of Barrett Conrad, whose vision is to grow Skimlite while maintaining the company’s founding mission of being “Big enough to serve; small enough to care.” For more information on Skimlite, visit skimlite.com.
