Milwaukee moving and logistics company CH Coakley announced plans in August 2021 to install solar panels across its warehouse portfolio, beginning with three buildings. The initial investment totaled nearly $2 million, with installations expected to finish by year’s end. President Mike Coakley said the initiative would reduce operating expenses, improve property marketability, and increase building values.
The solar systems were projected to lower the buildings’ energy costs by at least one-third, with utility savings recovering installation costs within six years. Executive vice president Steve Swanson emphasized that generating electricity would also help protect the company against future energy price increases. Coakley noted that clients welcomed the company’s investment in renewable energy.
The first installations included warehouses on South 113th Street, Northpark Drive in Menomonee Falls, and North 64th Street in Milwaukee. Recent acquisitions had expanded the company’s holdings to eight buildings totaling approximately 1.9 million square feet.
Despite pandemic disruptions, warehousing, commercial moving, and logistics remained strong. Major office relocations supported business activity, while changing workplace needs and telecommunications companies’ expanding 5G infrastructure offered opportunities for continued growth.
CH Coakley is partnering with local solar company Arch Solar for these installations.
