Nappi Distributors celebrated the opening of its new, $15 million, 155,0000-square-foot office and warehouse Tuesday at 615 Main St., Gorham, praising the town for it cooperation.

The wine and beer distributor relocated from Portland, where it started in 1960. The company, one of the largest distributors in Maine, outgrew its former location. It needed room to relocate and Gorham rezoned the 25-acre parcel, allowing Nappi to build.

“Gorham welcomed us,” Frank Nappi Jr., vice president, told a large gathering at the grand opening. “Gorham has been nice to us.”

Nappi Distributors becomes Gorham’s fifth largest taxpayer and third largest employer.

Burleigh Loveitt, vice chairman of Gorham’s town council, said it broadens the town’s tax base.

“We appreciate that they recognize that Gorham is open for business,” Loveitt said.

“Gorham welcomes Nappi as its first transportation-oriented business,” he said.

Loveitt said Nappi Distributors is a quiet, clean industry and a highly reputable company. “Nappi Distributors represents the epitome of what we have strived for,” Loveitt said..

The new Nappi complex features offices, an automated warehouse and a drive-through for loading 39 trucks inside.

“Now we’re under one roof,” Nappi said.

Frank Nappi Sr., president and a founder of Nappi Distributors with two brothers, said the company started planning the new project two years ago. The company bought the land from John Merriman in August last year and construction began last November.

The senior Nappi said before the opening ceremony the company began with 10 employees in 1960 and now has more than 200.

“We hope to continue to grow,” said Elmer Alcott, a vice president and chief financial officer.

Alcott gave a history of the company. He said that Frank Nappi Sr. was one of 15 children who worked for their father, John Nappi, who became a beer distributor in 1933. “The first year they almost starved to death,” Alcott said.

Alcott said the kids earned $5 a week and returned $3 to their mother.

“John believed in hard work,” Alcott said.

The family inherited the work ethic.

“Work,” Frank Nappi Sr. said when asked what attributed to his success in business. “Nothing comes easy.”

Nappi employees were enthusiastic Tuesday about their new headquarters. Deb Houle of Gorham no longer has to worry about commuting to Portland through bad weather.

Houle, executive administrative assistant, could walk to work. “It’s a mile and a half from my house,” Houle said.

Houle, a Gorham High School graduate in 1972, has worked 20 years for Nappi. She worked out of a warehouse when the company was housed in five buildings at its Portland location on Presumpscot Street.

“I have my own office,” said Houle with a smile, calling the Gorham complex beautiful.

Another Gorham resident and Nappi employee, Ted Densmore, said the headquarters is very efficient.

“I love it,” said Densmore, who does maintenance.

Tuesday’s grand opening featured a buffet lunch and tours of the offices and warehouse.

Cutlines ( Nappi complex) (Nappi Jr. and Sr.)