WEX plans to build a new operations center at The Downs in Scarborough.
The payment processing technology firm announced plans to consolidate six South Portland offices into a 200,000 square foot office building on approximately 17 acres of land on the 525-acre site.
WEX Vice President Safet Cobaj says having employees in separate facilities is inefficient, and that WEX was looking for a scalable building as the company continues to grow and add more staff. He says the company wants a state-of-the-art building with amenities.
“There'll be a day care across the street. There'll be a fitness center. There'll be a cafeteria. There are walking trails,” Cobaj says. “There's housing in the area. so we're pretty excited to take the endeavor on this project.”
Peter Michaud, managing partner for The Downs' owner, Crossroads Holdings, says the facility will include up to 1200 employees.
“We're likely to be beginning construction and earthwork some time the first part of August of 2020, with completion in the spring of 2022.”
The new facility is to be located near the Scarborough Downs racetrack as part of a newly planned mixed use community in Scarborough.
Last March WEX moved its headquarters from South Portland to Portland, bringing 400 jobs to the city.