Many
companies can take advantage of moving their operation
into an existing general purpose zone. Others,
particularly manufacturing operations that import
components, can apply for status as a special purpose
subzone.Typically,
a general purpose zone is a multi-purpose warehouse or
underground storage facility. It may house one large
importing operation or several smaller ones, which have
little or nothing to do with one another. Because they
may require visits from U.S. Customs officials, general
purpose zones usually are required to locate within 60
miles or 90 minutes of a U.S. Customs office.
U.S. Customs services are
available from offices located at the Grant County
International Airport Terminal in Moses Lake.
It's unrealistic for large
manufacturing companies to move operations into existing
general purpose zones, so the government created
"special purpose manufacturing subzones."
Because subzones require few on-site inspections, a
manufacturer can be granted the right to operate as an
FTZ outside the 60 mile/90 minute limit.
With the potential
benefits--for importers in general purpose zones and for
manufacturers in subzones--many companies already located
in Eastern Washington should look at whether to operate
in a FTZ.
In well established
FTZ’s, companies may lease space for a specific
amount of time or may pay a monthly fee based on the
actual amount of space used each month. Some companies
that lease space rely on the zone operator for labor and
equipment they need. Larger ones usually hire their own
personnel for these duties.
In either case, being
located in Moses Lake means you can best meet your
company's specific needs, at a cost per square foot that
is difficult to beat any where else in the United States.
