Manufacturer gets IDA assist for $18.8M expansion on Long Island

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Central Islip-based Nationwide 360, a manufacturer of trade-show exhibits, is plans to expand, and is getting support from the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency. The manufacturer aims to invest more than $18.8 million to purchase and renovate a 75,000-square-foot building on 4.25 acres at 40 Adams Avenue in Hauppauge.

With this investment, the company expects to retain 33 full-time jobs with average salaries of more than $91,000 annually, as well as create 10 new jobs, which would boost their total payroll to more than $3.7 million.

The Suffolk County IDA said on Monday that it approved econimic incentives that would allow Nationwide 360 to move forward with the purchase and renovation of the Hauppauge building.

“Nationwide serves as a standout ‘Long Island First business,’ aligning directly with the Suffolk IDA’s objectives,” Kelly Murphy, the executive director and CEO of the Suffolk County IDA, said in a news release about Nationwide 360’s planned expansion. Murphy was referring to the IDA’s policy to emphasize the preference for local vendors or contractors from Long Island whenever feasible.

Team members at Nationwide 360 “not only prioritize expanding their business and offering job opportunities to Long Islanders but also provide services that aid other Suffolk County businesses in enhancing their operations and promotions,” Murphy said. “SCIDA is pleased to support Nationwide 360 and looks forward to witnessing their ongoing success across the region.”

The company got its start in 1956, under its original moniker, Westley Displays, in Brooklyn. The company specialized in creating storefront window displays for retailers before expanding into the trade show industry. By 1975, the company relocated to Westbury, and over the past five decades, it has operated from various locations including Bay Shore, Ronkonkoma, and its current headquarters in Central Islip. In 1989, Nationwide Displays was established, and in 2023, it underwent a rebranding to become Nationwide 360.

The company specializes in designing, developing and manufacturing custom and rental trade show displays. The company provides storage, logistics and on-site services for their customers. During COVID-19, the company rebranded while assisting with temporary hospitals, safety partitions and virtual trade show exhibits. By adapting to the circumstances and ensuring client satisfaction, they aimed to highlight their capabilities and services, including trade shows, architectural fabrication, creative solutions, brand experiences, activations and live events.

As the company expanded, in 2022, it leased a 20,000 square-foot storage space and a 40,000-square foot headquarters. Opting for efficiency, the company aims to combine both spaces.

“We are extremely thankful for the support and guidance of the Suffolk IDA,” Steve Griffith, president of Nationwide 360, said in the news release.

“From our inception, we have consistently progressed and extended our presence in the region,” Griffith added. “The demand for our services has risen post-COVID, and we aim to meet the growing needs of Long Island businesses with this investment. The assistance from the Suffolk IDA is critical in Nationwide 360 meeting its set business goals.”

In relocating, the company aims to enhance production capabilities to meet future demands. Slated renovations include office upgrades and HVAC updates. Plans also include acquiring new equipment such as water-jet lasers, saws and possibly a second CNC machine.