Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has joined the corporate office migration to downtown Chicago. The company announced Sept. 20 that it will be relocating its global headquarters–and 400 employees–to the Prudential Plaza building by late 2017.
The move to 130 E. Randolph St. won’t be a long trek for the global manufacturer of high performance sports equipment, apparel and accessories. The company, which has been calling Chicago its home for 102-years, is currently located near O’Hare International Airport where its been since 1992.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement that Chicago offers the unparalleled workforce, world-class transportation systems and access to the global economy Wilson needs to continue to grow and thrive for another 100 years.
“This move downtown is strategically important for us as we cultivate our people, brand and business for the next century,” Mike Dowse, President of Wilson said. “For our team members, this relocation supports their professional growth by providing them with an exciting new work environment and greater access to all the creative inspiration, energy and resources of a vibrant downtown community. For our brand and business, it heightens the visibility of Wilson in the heart of the best sports city in the world, and the only city we have ever called home.”
Around 400 of its team members in areas of commercial, marketing, product management and business services units, and from the Amer Sports America group–Wilson, DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, Salomon, Arc’Teryx, Atomic, Suunto, Mavic and ENVE Composites–will make the move.
Since its founding, Wilson has called several locations in the greater Chicago-area home – from its original location on N. Sangamon Street in 1914 to Campbell Street in the 1920s, to River Grove in the 1950s, to its current location.
The Prudential Plaza is one of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks. Prudential Plaza has recently completed an extensive renovation, which includes the creation of a collection of the city’s top amenities such as an expansive fitness center, Club House and rooftop park overlooking world-famous Millennium Park.
Paul Buckingham and Joe Zona of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank represented Wilson in its real estate search. Bill Truszkowski,Matt Pistorio, and Caroline Colnon of the Telos Group, LLC, represented the Prudential Plaza ownership in this agreement.
