Information Technology Firm Moving its Headquarters to Lakewood

Onix Networking — a global information technology firm — is moving its headquarters from Westlake to Lakewood.

And its bringing 35 employees along with it.

The company, a long-standing partner with Google, is moving into the Georgetown Row half of the former  headquarters at the corner Detroit and Graber avenues.

Founded in 1992, Onix provides services that include cloud computing, geospatial information systems, Enterprise search, storage solutions and secure wireless solutions. The company's customers include Internet-giant Google and various levels of government.

The firm moved into its new location last week and is setting up shop this week.

Tim Needles, president and CEO of Onix Networking, pointed out his roots in Lakewood — noting he is a graduate of and his wife is a Lakewood native.

“(We) are excited about our new location and continuing the growth of the company,” he said in a statement, adding that the couple rented their first home together in the city. “Lakewood has a lot of plusses and great urban character.”

Dru Siley, the city’s assistant director of planning and development, said it is the city’s “urban character” that played a valuable role in attracting the company to Lakewood.

“They were attracted by all the reasons why people like Lakewood,” he said. "Bonne Bell (has left), we’re sad about that, but we’ve got some great new tenants moving in who will bring some good energy to a successful district. “

 Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers shared Siley’s enthusiasm.

“An innovative company like Onix fits Lakewood’s spirit of creative entrepreneurism”, said Summers in a prepared statement. “We are delighted that Mr. Needles and his team are now part of our vibrant business community.”