By Nathan Ritzo
A manufacturer of bicycle-care products with a mind toward building a community of environmentally aware cyclists is moving to Haverhill's downtown, bringing 14 jobs along.
Pedro's USA, which manufactures bicycle tools and care products, will locate in the renovated Burgess Building on Essex Street.
President and CEO Christopher Zigmont said the company intends to promote environmental awareness.
"The move for us was driven by the desire to take our people out of cars and put them on bikes or public transportation," said Zigmont, adding that the new location is across from a major commuter rail line.
"Being in an urban center was actually important to us," he said, adding the company was formerly in a remote Wilmington business park. Zigmont said he believes being in the center of the city will help to promote awareness of the benefits of cycling.
"We want (Haverhill residents) to ride their bike to work. We want people to ride their bikes to the train station," he said. He said he believes cycling instead of riding in cars would help downtown residents enjoy the amenities that the area holds, such as restaurants and cultural events.
Lisa Fitzpatrick, property manager for Kifor Development, which manages the building, said that many improvements were made for Pedro's.
"We worked with them to make some structural improvements, such as replacing the factory windows," she said. "The fun part of my job is working with tenants to design the space and implement their vision to (help them achieve their goals)."
Zigmont said Fitzpatrick helped them to "walk the walk" in designing an environmentally friendly office. Two pallets of recycled carpet, retrofitted dual flush toilet fixtures to reduce office water usage, and energy efficient appliances, such as a cold water dishwasher, will be installed.
"It's how we live and what we do," said Zigmont. "To be frank with you, there aren't a lot of (property managers) who would go along with that."
The company will perform logistical work and testing in its new downtown home. It will also set up a storage and shipping operation in the Ward Hill Industrial Park, Zigmont said.
Haverhill Economic Development and Planning Director William Pillsbury Jr. said the nature of the business fits in well with the city's endeavors of multimodal transit.
Pillsbury said his department is looking at developing bicycle trails in the city.
