Hearth and Home Technologies (HHT), the world’s largest hearth manufacturer, is relocating and opening a new 102,660 square-foot showroom and distribution center at Steele Creek Commerce Center in Charlotte. JLL’s John Cashion represented Hearth and Home Technologies in the lease transaction and JLL’s Brad Cherry, Spencer Yorke and Matt Greer represented the owner, EastGroup Properties.

The new facility, opening in February, will expand Hearth and Home Technologies’ Charlotte presence by more than 40,000 square feet. With several years remaining on its current lease at North Park Business Park, the hearth manufacturer sought additional space and a new facility to meet growing business demands. The Minnesota-based company, a subsidiary of HNI Corp., operates 14 brands of fireplaces, stoves and inserts, distributed through several retail and construction channels.

Headquartered in Mississippi, EastGroup Properties owns and operates both Steele Creek Commerce Center and North Park Business Park along with several other industrial properties around Charlotte. EastGroup Properties owns more than three million square feet in Charlotte, and approximately 38 million square feet of industrial space nationwide.

“While HHT needed the additional space, Steele Creek Commerce Center also offers great access to 77 and 85 in Charlotte via I-485. This new location will improve their access for the trucks and their customers/vendors,” said JLL’s Cherry.

Hearth and Home Technologies’ announcement kicks off construction on the next building within Steele Creek Commerce Center. The new building, totaling 120,000 square feet, is expected to deliver this summer. The industrial park is currently comprised of five buildings totaling 443,000 square feet. According to JLL’s latest Industrial Insight report, Charlotte has nearly 3.5 million square feet of new industrial space under construction with over half pre-leased.