Industrial Tenant Representation in Denver — Securing a Rail-Served Facility for CEMCO

When a company’s growth outpaces its physical space, every day of operation is a missed opportunity. For CEMCO, a leading U.S. manufacturer of steel framing systems, this was a pressing reality. Their facility in central Denver was landlocked, restricting their growth and facing redevelopment pressures. They needed a new North American hub, but their list of requirements was highly specialized and hard to find in the current Denver industrial real estate market. This is the story of how a strategic process, deep market knowledge, and relentless dedication turned a complex challenge into a landmark acquisition.

The search for the right industrial property can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially in a competitive market like Denver. This post breaks down the methodical approach used by Lincoln Property Company’s Denver industrial tenant representation team to find the perfect solution for CEMCO. We explore the initial challenge, the exhaustive search process, the creative problem-solving that secured the deal, and the transformative results for the client.

The Challenge: A Specialized Industrial Tenant Requirement in the Denver Market

CEMCO, a JFE Shoji America company, had a clear vision for its future but was constrained by its present. To support long-term growth and streamline operations, they needed a facility that was far from ordinary. Their list of non-negotiables presented a significant hurdle in the Denver Metro area, where suitable rail-served industrial sites with heavy power are scarce.

CEMCO required:

• Direct rail service: A large industrial building with integrated rail access was critical for their manufacturing and distribution model.
• A secure, functional yard: Fully fenced and lit, with ample space for outside storage and a minimum of 15 trailer parking stalls.
• Heavy power capacity: A massive 4,000 amps of power at 480V, far beyond what most industrial buildings offer.
• Room for growth: The new facility couldn’t just solve today’s problems—it needed flexibility for future expansion.
• Strategic location: Proximity to key transportation routes within the Denver Metro area was essential for logistics.

The Denver market for large, rail-served industrial sites with heavy power and secure yards is extremely limited. Finding a property that met even a few of these criteria would be difficult; finding one that met them all seemed nearly impossible.

The Process: Full-Market Industrial Site Selection & Acquisition Strategy

Serving as JFE Shoji’s exclusive tenant and buyer representatives, Sam Slaton and Mark Dwyer embarked on a methodical and exhaustive market search. Their process was not about finding available listings; it was about uncovering opportunities and creating solutions where none seemed to exist.

Casting a Wide Net — Evaluating Every Industrial Real Estate Option

The first step was to evaluate every viable property across the entire region. The team left no stone unturned, analyzing existing buildings, land for development, and even potential build-to-suit scenarios. Their deep market knowledge and extensive network were instrumental, including uncovering properties not publicly listed.

Identifying a Diamond in the Rough — 9410 Heinz Way

Through their diligent search, they identified 9410 Heinz Way in Commerce City. This 18.29-acre site was a rare find with exceptional infrastructure that aligned with many of CEMCO’s core needs. The property featured:

• Dual BNSF rail spurs
• A 28-foot clear height
• Multiple dock-high and oversized drive-in doors
• 41 trailer stalls
• An expandable footprint due to the size of the lot

However, the property only had 800 amps of power, far below CEMCO’s requirement of 4,000 amps. For many, this would have been a deal-breaker.

Navigating Complex Hurdles — Power Infrastructure & Utilities

Here, the team’s process evolved from search to problem-solving. Instead of disqualifying the property, Sam and Mark took on the challenge directly. They initiated and navigated a complex process with the regional utility provider to secure the necessary power upgrade. This involved negotiations, planning, and coordination to ensure the provider could deliver the power capacity required.

This hands-on approach demonstrated a commitment that went beyond typical brokerage services, reflecting true industrial tenant representation and advisory expertise.

The Results: A Transformative Industrial Acquisition with Long-Term Growth Potential

In the third quarter of 2025, JFE Shoji successfully acquired the property for CEMCO. The transaction was a testament to the team’s strategic process and perseverance. The new facility is more than just a building; it is a cornerstone investment in CEMCO’s North American operations.

The results:

• Tripled operational capacity: The new facility provides more than three times the capacity of their former location.
• Strategic market foothold: A secure, long-term base in the Denver industrial market.
• Rail-integrated operations: Dual rail spurs enable seamless, efficient manufacturing and distribution.
• Future-proof flexibility: Ability to add up to 40,000 square feet of additional space.
• Full power achieved: The coordinated utility upgrade meets CEMCO’s heavy power requirements.

Partner with Denver’s Industrial Tenant Representation Experts

This transaction highlights the difference between a real estate broker and a true strategic partner. With over 50 years of combined experience and more than 50 million square feet leased and sold, Sam Slaton and Mark Dwyer bring unmatched market insight and negotiation expertise to every assignment. Their process-driven approach ensures that even the most complex challenges are met with creative, effective solutions.

Whether you are looking to acquire, lease, or sell industrial property in the Denver Metro market, our team is ready to deliver results through our industrial advisory and brokerage team, ensuring every decision is informed, strategic, and aligned to long-term value.