Wiley X Inc., the maker of protective eyewear and gloves, plans to move into new corporate office/warehouse facilities in the company’s hometown of Livermore, CA.

The company said in a statement that more than just a corporate expansion into a larger facility, this move affirms Wiley X’s commitment to environmental responsibility as well as the health and safety of Wiley X employees. The company purchased the nearly 50,000-square-foot building and began a remodel project in the summer of 2009 with the intent of achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system that provides third-party verification that a building was designed and built using strategies aimed at increasing performance, reducing waste and improving quality of life. The Wiley X remodel project team was asked to put particular focus on creating a high-quality work environment with good indoor air quality and access to natural light.

When the company moves into the building on April 26, 2010, Wiley X will occupy 32,332 square feet of the 49,977-square-foot, one-story facility. Highlights of Wiley X’s new headquarters include full-height exterior glazing and “smart” skylights that provide all occupied spaces, including the warehouse, with natural light. This reduces energy consumption while providing a pleasant and productive working atmosphere. Further energy savings are realized through the use of efficient new HVAC and lighting systems, as well as fixtures designed to reduce water consumption. Low emitting building materials, many of which were manufactured regionally and contain high recycled content, contribute to improved indoor air quality.

The team responsible for this effort includes project management firm Terrasset Management Group, architects and interior designers Reel Grobman and Associates, general contractor W.L. Butler Construction, audio/visual design and installation by W. Bradley Electric, Inc. and design build subcontractors AMS Heating and T.S. Electric, Inc. Commissioning was provided by Rick Unvarsky Consulting Services, Inc. and LEED consulting services by Mary Davidge Associates. The entire project team worked together diligently in implementing the LEED intent and providing the needed documentation during the process.

Myles Freeman, President of Sales and Co-owner of Wiley X, Inc., said  “This is an exciting time for Wiley X employees and distributors worldwide. Sales are up, we need more space to help meet our goals of expansion, and were going to be able to accomplish this in our new state-of-the-art (soon-to-be) LEED Certified Facility. It gives us all a great sense of accomplishment to walk into a corporate environment that encourages the conservation of energy and the overall health and well being of our employees.”