Industrial real estate has always been the silent engine of the American economy—a critical but often overlooked backdrop where products are made, stored, and shipped. Yet, as America experiences a historic manufacturing renaissance, the face of industrial real estate is transforming. Small-bay, multi-tenant industrial parks are stepping into the spotlight, becoming the essential infrastructure supporting the next generation of manufacturing and entrepreneurial businesses. At the center of this transformation is Workspace Nation®—Phoenix Industrial Redevelopment’s (PIR’s) unified national brand for modern, small industrial workspaces.
Workspace Nation® represents more than a new name. It’s a strategic vision for the future of American manufacturing and the businesses that will drive it.
Why Small-Bay Industrial is the Backbone of Reindustrialization
The headlines tend to focus on massive factories for electric vehicles or semiconductor fabrication plants. However, the real story of America’s reindustrialization is playing out in thousands of smaller facilities occupied by the suppliers, fabricators, repair shops, and service providers that form the backbone of domestic manufacturing.
These businesses—often small or mid-sized companies—require:
- Flexible footprints to accommodate evolving production processes
- Accessible locations near major transportation corridors and labor pools
- Modern facilities that inspire confidence from customers, partners, and employees
Yet the supply of well-renovated small industrial spaces remains constrained across many U.S. markets, creating both a significant challenge for growing businesses and a compelling opportunity for industrial real estate investors.
The Workspace Nation® Vision
PIR recognized years ago that the future of American manufacturing would depend on creating high-quality, professionally managed industrial environments specifically designed for small and mid-sized businesses. That insight sparked the creation of Workspace Nation®.
Workspace Nation® is PIR’s national portfolio brand for small-bay, multi-tenant industrial parks, built on three key principles:
- Purpose-Built Environments
Each Workspace Nation® property undergoes strategic renovations to transform outdated industrial buildings into clean, functional, and appealing workspaces. Improvements typically include:
- Upgraded power capacity and distribution
- Enhanced loading and logistics capabilities
- Modernized facades and landscaping for professional curb appeal
- Flexible unit configurations for tenant expansion or downsizing
These upgrades ensure tenants have facilities that match the evolving requirements of modern manufacturing, service businesses, and technology-driven operations.
- Professional, Standardized Management
Many small industrial properties historically suffered from neglect or inconsistent management. Workspace Nation® changes that paradigm through:
- Uniform property management standards nationwide
- Proactive maintenance and rapid response to tenant needs
- Professional leasing practices and clear communication
- Standardized branding and signage across all locations
This professional approach delivers a reliable experience for tenants, no matter where they are located in the Workspace Nation® network.
- National Scale, Local Focus
Workspace Nation® is growing rapidly, with 19 properties nationwide and a moonshot goal of owning 100 stabilized parks by 2040. This scale provides:
- National brand recognition that builds tenant confidence
- Economies of scale in marketing, operations, and systems
- A network of locations supporting tenants as they expand into new markets
Yet despite this national reach, each property is firmly rooted in its local market. PIR invests significant resources in understanding local tenant needs, workforce dynamics, and economic drivers to ensure each Workspace Nation® park serves its unique community effectively.
The Benefits for Small Manufacturers and Service Businesses
For tenants, Workspace Nation® properties provide far more than four walls and a roof. Businesses gain:
- A professional image that builds credibility with customers
- Flexibility to grow without relocating to a completely new facility
- Clean, functional spaces that support efficient operations
- Peace of mind knowing they’re part of a professionally managed environment
This combination allows small manufacturers, tradespeople, and service entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses, confident that their workspace is an asset rather than a liability.
An Opportunity for Investors
From an investment perspective, Workspace Nation® represents a compelling opportunity to participate in the forces reshaping American industry. The demand for small-bay industrial space is being driven by:
- The reshoring and regionalization of supply chains
- Rapid growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors
- Entrepreneurs launching new ventures in manufacturing and services
- E-commerce businesses needing light industrial space close to urban centers
Yet the supply of suitable small-bay industrial space remains limited, particularly properties that meet modern business expectations. Workspace Nation® bridges this gap, creating a portfolio of standardized, professionally managed properties poised to benefit from these powerful macroeconomic trends.
Through PIR’s investment FixedFunds Program®, accredited investors can gain exposure to this segment without the burdens of direct property ownership, participating in the financial upside of America’s manufacturing resurgence.
Building the Future of Industrial Real Estate
As U.S. manufacturing continues its historic comeback, the businesses driving this renaissance will need modern, flexible, and reliable industrial spaces. Workspace Nation® is purpose-built to meet this need—offering a vision of the future where small industrial parks are not just functional real estate, but thriving ecosystems that support entrepreneurs, create jobs, and contribute to the revitalization of American cities.
PIR remains committed to growing Workspace Nation® into the national standard for small industrial workspaces, ensuring that as the industrial landscape evolves, America’s small and mid-sized businesses have a place to grow, innovate, and succeed.