It’s a Moving Experience, Part 2
Moving after 75 years: planning, people and purpose.
by Carli Kistler-Miller
Director of Programs & Marketing | President of the Educational Foundation, PMPA
Published January 1, 2026
In part one of W.H. Bagshaw’s moving story, Vice President Adria Bagshaw shared the financial and logistical insights behind moving after 75 years in the same facility. But beyond spreadsheets and mortgages, the heart of the transition lay in people, planning and purpose.
Hire for Expertise, Not Just Execution
To guide the complex move, W.H. Bagshaw brought in a project planner who had spent decades in manufacturing and now specialized in helping companies relocate. “He’s seen everything that can go wrong,” Adria says. “He’s helped us sequence every step so we knew exactly who’s doing what.”
That clarity was crucial. The move was set for late May 2025, with a goal of having machines running by June 2, 2025. Adria credited their consultant’s experience with keeping the process smooth and stress manageable. “He’s not just a planner,” she says, “he’s a translator between chaos and order.”
Build Engagement Through Ownership
Instead of outsourcing every task, W.H. Bagshaw leaned on its own people. Employees volunteered weekends to clean and paint, and interns were hired to help with IT, wiring and smaller projects. “They’ve put their heart and soul into this building,” Adria says.
That sense of ownership is part of the company’s culture. “We’re a family business in every sense,” she says. “Using our own team wasn’t just cost-effective, it was meaningful.”
Recognize the Builders
When one machinist with architectural training took on the layout design, W.H. Bagshaw rewarded him. “He was so proud,” she says. “We plan to make a plaque with everyone’s names — like architects on a building. It’s their legacy.”
Keep Communication Visual and Open
Transparency was the key throughout the move. “Every time we updated the layout, we printed it large and posted it with sticky notes for comments,” Adria explains. “It kept people engaged and they caught the little things — like storage space and a hand washing station — that are easy to miss.”
W.H. Bagshaw opened its new doors on schedule. Adria reflects on the journey with gratitude. “We’ve been guided by experience, collaboration and a whole lot of teamwork,” she says. “After 75 years, this move isn’t just about a new address — it’s about building the next generation of who we are.”
Author
Carli Kistler-Miller, MBA has over 25 years of experience with operations, event/meeting planning, marketing, writing and communications.
Email: gro.apmp@rellimc — Website: pmpa.org.