The successful recruitment of BasX Solutions to Redmond – a story that goes back two decades – was recognized recently by the Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) as the Business Development Story of the Year at an awards luncheon during OEDA’s Annual Conference in Eugene last month.
The award, according to OEDA, recognizes the efforts of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI) and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) in successfully bringing BasX Solutions to Redmond. The company purchased the former Walmart building on the south of Redmond, converting it into a manufacturing facility they expect will create up to 150 jobs.
Eric Sande, executive director of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, recalls first meeting BasX founder David Benson 20 years ago. Then, Sande was working for Redmond Economic Development Assistance Partnership (REDAP) and Benson was the owner of a successful manufacturing company in Tualatin.
“I was convinced Redmond would be a great place for them, and I tried my best to get them here,” Sande said. “I followed up as often as I could with notes and calls. I knew it was a great company, and the owner, David Benson, was the reason.”
Throughout that time, Sande formed a friendship with Benson and his family. Then last November, it was announced that Benson and his business partner, Matthew Tobolski, had purchased the former Walmart building in Redmond to serve as home for their newly formed LLC, BasX Solutions.
According to REDI Manager Jon Stark, the final recruitment push was a collective effort.
“Eric created the relationship and developed their initial interest in Redmond,” Stark said. “REDI stepped in during the final year to carry it over the finish line. The process was a true team effort, which we and the community are very proud of.”
BasX Solutions is a manufacturer of a wide range of modular, or “containerized,” products such as modular hospital units, modular power storage units, modular cooling systems and other structural solutions. The 100,000-square-foot facility is currently operational at 3500 SW 21st Pl. in Redmond.
“The recruitment of BasX to Redmond serves as one of my favorite and most rewarding stories as director of the Redmond Chamber,” Sande said. “Not only did my initial contact with Benson evolve into a great personal friendship, but it led to the establishment of a high-tech company in Redmond that will create local jobs for years to come.”
