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Is Sherwin-Williams eyeing Charlotte for HQ?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s still highly speculative, but Charlotte may be a candidate for the headquarters of painting and coatings manufacturer Sherwin-Williams Co. — that is, if the company decides to leave its current headquarters city of Cleveland.

Well-known site-selection consultant John Boyd of The Boyd Co., whose New Jersey firm works on economic development projects and corporate relocations across the country, said last week he believes the Queen City could be in the running — and high on the list. Boyd is not working on the Sherwin-Williams project but, based on his knowledge of it, he believes four cities are being seriously considered: Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Charlotte.

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The Sherwin-Williams Co. disclosed last month that it had begun a process to “explore options” for a new research and development facility and global headquarters, both within and outside of Cleveland. CEO John Morikis said at the time that the company’s growth has resulted in a “less than optimal” configuration of headquarters, offices and R&D facilities in multiple locations.

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The company has said several times that staying in Cleveland is part of the search, as are other parts of Ohio. Sherwin-Williams employs more than 4,000 in northeast Ohio; reports have suggested that a new headquarters and R&D facility would include upwards of 2,000 employees.

CBJ delves into the possibilities here.