MDR, a leading provider of marketing information and services for the K-12, higher education, library, early childhood, and related education markets, will be shifting its staff of 130 to the 174,000-sf 6 Armstrong Rd. property. Robert J. Hopper, VP of Choyce Peterson represented MDR. Tom Pajolek of CB Richard Ellis represented the building owner, the Fusco Corp.

"This is a great move, saving us 20% to 25% in our annual operating costs," says Fady Khairallah, president and general manager of MDR. "We continually expand the use of technology in our business--from our transactions and fulfillment to communication with customers, to the products we sell. As a result, we've been able to streamline our space needs for housing hardware, fulfilling product and managing data, and at the same time, expand our team to focus on customer support and growth opportunities."

Hopper adds that "although Shelton was the preferred location, we began by identifying other viable sites in the region. Discussions with the current landlord enabled us to exit the lease early without penalty, enabling MDR to move into the new space as soon as it is ready."

He notes that MDR's deal with Fusco Corp. includes and extended free rent period "that will run well beyond the time required for renovations" and that the long-term deal was secured at below market rates.

"Add the fixed-rate renewal clause with expansion and termination rights, and the total package is an extraordinary one for MDR," Hopper says. "The landlord is upgrading the site to provide required amenities, such as a work-out facility and cafeteria service, and is finishing the space to the standards developed for D&B headquarters."