Big Sky Fulfillment Partners with Bonner Mill Site, Looks to Double Staff

The popularity of subscription boxes propelled Big Sky Fulfillment from shipping a few thousand pieces every month to sending out tens of thousands of boxes. As he prepares to move operations to a 60,000 square foot space at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park, Patrick Claytor has his work cut out for him. His company has experienced a 200% growth since 2019. The momentum shows little signs of slowing down.

Since 2017, Claytor’s staff at Big Sky Fulfillment has grown from three people to 25. By 2022, Claytor expects that number to rise to 50 employees to fulfill contracts with e-commerce companies, serving as their shipping engine.

Clicking “Buy” for an online purchase sets the Big Sky Fulfillment team in motion. They select a product from their warehouse, carefully package and put it en route as quickly as possible.

Shipping everything from bath bombs to keto-friendly snacks, nearly 75% of Big Sky Fulfillment clients are out-of-state businesses.

“We’re really proud to bring jobs and revenue to Montana,” said Claytor. “The added benefit is being able to quickly distribute Montana-made products with our network.”

What’s Next?

The Bonner Mill Industrial Park was the right space for Big Sky Fulfillment to grow. Joining tenants like Planetary Design, Coaster Pedicab, ALCOM and others, Big Sky Fulfillment adds to the thriving businesses based out of the former lumber mill.

Claytor’s team will move into what was formerly known as the “sorter building.” It’s 50,000 square feet of warehousing. There is additional office space to house the Missoula-based management team.

“Industrial space is at a premium in Missoula,” said Nick Chaussee, Sterling Commercial Real Estate Advisor and lead agent for the deal.

“Even pre-COVID, the demand for warehouse space was through the roof. Now, brick and mortar locations are quickly pivoting to ecommerce. That’s where a business like Big Sky Fulfillment comes in. They already have the infrastructure in place for a business to quickly move to online sales.”

As unemployment continues its unsteady trajectory, Claytor has jobs to fill. “We’re definitely looking to add to the team,” he said. With the upgrade to Bonner and a new location opening soon in North Carolina, he’s ready to make moves.

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