Established companies reinvest in Superior

When Jeff Cottew struck out on his own after years of utility work, his goal was to create a business that would keep him “and a few guys” busy.

These days, however, the Lake Nebagamon man is all over the place, working for Charter Communications, Minnesota Power, Superior Water, Light & Power, Enbridge Energy among a few, here and across the country.

The equipment needed to keep up with demand, however, has outgrown several spaces for the business that started at his home, prompting Cottew to look for a site to fit his needs.

Cottew decided Superior would be the place he would build those needed facilities for Hanco Utilities Inc. now that he’s outgrown the former county garage in Superior. Cottew is making plans to build his business, founded in 2001, in the Winter Street Industrial Park.

He’s not alone.

Anderson & Hammack Construction, which has been in business for 20 years in the Twin Ports, also is planning to consolidate its scattered facilities around Superior by investing in a pair of buildings in the Interstate Industrial Park in North End. The veteran constructors plan to build a 6,480-square-foot warehouse, and 1,920-square-foot office building on property formerly owned by the city of Superior near North Third Street at the terminus with Tower Avenue.

According to the development agreement reached with the city of Superior, Anderson & Hammack is planning to begin the project with construction of its office building this year. Located at 1515 John Ave., the company specializes in home, log home, bonus room and condominium construction, in addition to home and commercial remodeling.

Terry Hammock said the goal is to create an office that is a showcase of the kind of work the company does.

Construction of the warehouse isn’t expected until 2017.

Cottew said one of his goals is to be able to have things the way he wants them when he builds his office and shop facility.

Hanco Utilities Co. provides Perma-Liner pipe relining, horizontal directional drilling, boring, excavating, hydro-vac excavating, ground thawing, line steaming, line jetting, cable plowing and geothermal system services.

The two projects add about $1.4 million in new investment on previously vacant city land.

“I think this is fabulous,” said Rod Campbell, a member of Superior’s Redevelopment Authority, which approved land sales and development agreements with both companies in a little over a month.

Construction on both projects is expected to get underway this year.

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