Wüsthof-Trident Relocation to South Norwalk
333 Wilson Avenue, Norwalk CT

When Wüsthof-Trident, known internationally for its premium cutlery, came to Peter DiNardo Enterprises to ask if it could meet a near impossible nine month deadline for the construction of a new warehouse-distribution center on a DiNardo-owned site in South Norwalk, the answer was an unequivocal yes. There was also no hesitation from DiNardo with the added request and deadline for a fully fitted-out and upgraded office space next door in DiNardo’s newly renovated office building at 333 Wilson Avenue, Norwalk CT.  This space would accommodate Wüsthof’s new U.S. headquarters.

“It came out much better than I hoped. It's state-of-the-art and efficient. We needed it to be built a certain way and that was the biggest attraction to this location. We had the opportunity to get the layout 100 percent as we wanted it. A very serious and complex project has been accomplished.” - Harald Wüsthof

 In taking on the challenge, it was understood by both that no delay could be tolerated; Wüsthof needed to be set up and operational in its 50,000 square foot facility by summer in order to meet the holiday selling season and any delay would be catastrophic. However both companies represented long-standing family-owned firms, Wüsthof in its seventh generation and DiNardo in its third, so it’s no surprise that both understood the true meaning and value of making a promise and keeping your word.

Over the next year, DiNardo’s development team would fully test the limit of that promise. Challenges ranging from fulfilling the unique specifications of the building layout, managing crews and costs on overtime to accessing power on site on a 24-7 basis had to be overcome. The State of Connecticut also had a major stake in the success of the project adding further urgency to the task. When Wüsthof announced its interest to relocate from Briarcliff Manor in New York, Connecticut mounted a heavy campaign to attract it to the state including provision of a $750,000 low cost loan for machinery and equipment for the new distribution center.  In turn, Wüsthof would inject not only significant private investment to the area but also bring 50 new jobs to the state and Norwalk.

On September 9, 2009, Wüsthof, along with its employees, local politicians, Peter DiNardo Enterprises, and other guests officially celebrated the opening of the company’s U.S. headquarters and distribution-warehouse center, delivered on time, on budget, as promised.