Property formerly owned by Kreider Farms has been purchased by Fenner Precision Polymers.
A Michelin Group Company, Fenner announced the purchase of 41 acres zoned for light industrial development in Penn Township in Lancaster County.
Citing growth, Fenner plans to consolidate most of its manufacturing plant sites in Pennsylvania into one location. Fenner looks to develop the site, located at 426 Hostetter Road in Manheim, as a 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Jack Krecek, divisional managing director for Fenner, noted that manufacturing remains the top leading contributor to GDP in Lancaster County and is the second leading employment sector.
By reducing the number of its plants, Fenner looks to streamline operations and improve staff collaboration. In alignment with the Michigan Group’s ambition to have net-zero emissions by 2050, Fenner sought a site that would minimize environmental impact. Developing a new site allows the company to utilize energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources and to reduce waste.
The property was zoned for light industrial development in 2011 and is located within the region’s designated urban growth boundary.
Fenner is expected to conduct building design and land development through the remainder of the year. Construction is planned to be completed in phases over the ensuing five years. The initial phase of construction is scheduled to start in 2024, with building occupancy slated for 2025.
Fenner’s site describes it as “a company of several preferred brands in manufacturing products in polymetric, metal and textile-based industries.”
To better serve its expanding customer base, SERVPRO Restoration Services has moved from Manheim to Elizabethtown and taken over the longtime site of what was previously Gardner Motors.
Effective May 1, SERVPRO moved into the space on Hershey Road formerly occupied by Gardner.
“We’re taking over Gardner Motors in Elizabethtown to expand our reach, and allow us to better serve our customer base, and basically expand our business to support our growth and the jobs we’ve created in the community,” said Oleg Levin, owner and CEO of SERVPRO of western Lancaster County and East York.
“Gardner’s Motors was there for a long time; we’re taking over the building and moving our business there.”
Levin said SERVPRO also hired T.J. Gardner, the son of the former owner of Gardner Motors. “He’s helping us with the move and the transition and the acclimation,” said Levin.
Levin stated that the new location will allow the company to better serve Lancaster and York counties.
“It’s right off 283 and is easy to get to,” said Levin. “This allows us better visibility on a major road, 743, and allows us to support the growth of our business, create more jobs in the community, and better serve our customers as we’re more geographically located.”
SERVPRO will work to maintain the reputation built by Gardner Motors with its standard of customer service, said Levin.
“Gardner Motors was a small local business and we’re a small, local business too,” he said. “The message here is that we want to take over a place that had a great reputation for a long time and make our own imprint and support the local community.”
SERVPRO’s website bills the company as specializing in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property following a fire, smoke or water damage. Trained in property damage restoration, Servpro’s staff also mitigates mold and mildew from businesses and homes.
If you’ve heard of the “Prussian Street Arcade,” in Manheim and picture customers indulging in German fare while playing arcade games, you’d be completely off the mark. Owners Michael and Susan Ferrari explain that they picked the name as an homage to history. It turns out that Main Street in Manheim was once called Prussian Street due to the large contingent of Germans who lived there. As for arcade, if you research that, you’ll learn that arcade can also mean gallery and one can describe the Prussian Street Arcade as a gallery of sorts, where approximately 120 vendors showcase their wares.
The 10,000 square-foot co-op opened its doors on November 1, 2019 in what was a Bickels’ Snack Food plant in Manheim. The Arcade is the anchor store at the REO Manheim Marketplace, which currently includes a brewery, an ice-cream shop, a bake shop and café and suites for those seeking accommodations in the area. Michael Ferrari said that it’s been great to be part of the Marketplace. “The businesses attract different crowds depending on the time of day,” he said.
Entering into the bright, airy and spacious store, visitors learn right away that this isn’t the typical co-op of yore where rummaging through crowded, musty stalls is de rigueur. Items are laid out in a way that suggests boutique shopping, all under one roof.
Among the many items are apparel and accessories, bath and body products, candles, vintage items, home décor and more. One stall that grabs customer’s attention displays “Sab’s Blankets.” The soft knit blankets are finger knit with chunky yarn and practically beckon to be fondled. Sabrina-Rose Benedict uses the same technique for creating fluffy stuffed animals for kids to hug, like big bees, penguins, pigs, elephants and more.
Owner Susan has her own clothing brand called “The Art of Motherhood” that she displays at the marketplace where customers can shop for a unique variety of children’s clothing. “She’s built up quite a following,” said Michael.
Wendy Van Hove is a satisfied customer who enjoys shopping at the arcade for unique, upcycled items. “I really like their open design building with eclectic items, both new and vintage,” she said.
Applying for a Spot at the Arcade
Michael, whose background is in marketing and advertising, said that the couple select vendors who fill out an online application. “Some of the requirements are that they have to have some experience with merchandising and selling their products at other vendor malls, or maker markets. We also like to know their reach,” he said, adding that the Ferrari’s will take startups if applicants have a clear plan. According to Michael, the objective is to give makers and collectors who aspire to a brick and mortar shop the opportunity to experience one without it being cost-prohibitive due to the high cost of commercial real estate these days.
Benedict, who does the finger knitting, started her business in 2019 and in early January of 2021 she applied for a spot at the Prussian Street Arcade. She lives an hour-and-a-half away from the Arcade in Montgomery County and said that the couple was quick to approve her application. “I was accepted by mid-January,” she said. Benedict said that she is doing well there. “Ninety-percent of my sales are at pop-up markets and at the Arcade, with the most popular item being the bees,” she said.
The Ferrari’s pay a license fee and vendors pay a monthly fee. “And because we’re running all the transactions, we take a sales commission at the register,” Michael said.
Prussian Street Arcade 2.0
Because of the overwhelming popularity of the Prussian Street Arcade, (there’s a six-month waiting list among potential vendors at the Manheim location), the couple opened up another, this time in a shopping center in East Hempfield Township.
The second Prussian Street Arcade is located in Lime Spring Square along Rohrerstown Road and opened in August. It is smaller than their first location, at 2,800 square feet, and hosts approximately 70 vendors. “Some of our neighbors are Aldi, Starbucks and Panera, all of which have a broad appeal,” said Michael adding that a nail salon and spa is also located there.
Michael said that the recent Christmas shopping season went well for both Arcades. “The Christmas shopping season was a great chance to expand our reach to a whole new market. We have noticed that not only are our loyal customers visiting both of our stores, but there are many customers who have never experienced our brand, walking through the doors. It’s a very exciting time,” he said.
YTI Career Institute is auctioning off kitchen equipment as it downsizes its Lancaster facility – PHOTO/PROVIDED
YTI Career Institute is downsizing its Lancaster facility as it transitions its programs to online and hybrid learning models.
YTI, a technical training institute with schools in York and Lancaster, said it is moving from 3050 Hempland Road to 380 Centerville Road in Lancaster.
PCI Auction group, Manheim, will be auctioning everything inside the Hempland Road building, including restaurant equipment, bar equipment, tables, chairs, floor mats and an ambulance.
YTI said everything being auctioned starts at a penny. The auction runs through 8 p.m. Tuesday,
Manheim-based B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., an excavating, paving and site management firm has acquired the assets of H.L. Wiker, Inc. Excavating in Lancaster.
Brent Kreider
The new team members will operate out of one of B.R. Kreider’s three locations in Manheim, Lebanon, and Quarryville, according to Brent Kreider, president of B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.
“We were looking to add strong operational site experience that would enable us to better serve our clients in south central Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware,” said Kreider. “We were really impressed with H.L. Wiker’s expertise in the site construction market and the name they have built. The reputation, experience and strength of their team to help us better serve clients was key to the decision.”
Second generation owners of H.L. Wiker, Donna Shoff and Jeff Wiker, said as they looked to sell the business, they felt B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. shared similar values and cultures.
“We were looking for ways to take care of our team and serve our clients well”, said Shoff, president. B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. will acquire a select list of equipment and several remaining projects.
Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. PHOTO/CRISSCOLLINGWOOD
Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center is partnering with Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing to enhance support for sexual assault survivors.
Registered nurses in the emergency department who have completed sexual assault nurse examiner, or SANE, training will join with Nese College of Nursing’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth Systems to deliver expert care to survivors of sexual assault.
SAFE-T Systems also offers a network of experts and evidence-based training.
The technology allows teleSANE experts to interact on video with the sexual assault nurse examiner in the exam room, as well as the patient and the advocate, all through a secure telehealth connection.
Lancaster Medical Center and SAFE-T Systems staff, local legislators and community leaders will attend a celebration of the partnership Nov. 1 at Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center, Manheim. The event will include a demonstration of SAFE-T Systems’ telehealth resources.
Manheim-based OverEZ Chicken Coop makes backyard chicken coops and accessories. PHOTO/PROVIDED
When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, many Americans sheltering at home started looking for ways to produce their own food.
And one method already gaining in popularity – backyard chickens – just exploded during the pandemic.
Manheim-based OverEZ Chicken Coop, which makes backyard chicken coops and accessories, saw its sales triple in 2020 and double in 2021, said CEO Chet Beiler.
This year, sales to date are up 30%, he said, and will approach $20 million. This growth led the company to open a second plant, in Dublin, Georgia, and to expand its market across the Atlantic into Europe.
Beiler, who bought the business in June 2020, said backyard chickens are appealing because people yearn for self-reliance and sustainable living. They love having fresh, organic eggs daily, and families with kids and grandkids enjoy caring for the animals, who become beloved pets.
A press release from OverEZ said that families often name their chickens and “treat them as any other pet, like cats or dogs. These affectionate pets provide companionship and have individual personalities. Chickens will eat from your hand, sometimes jump onto your lap, respond to your voice, and even follow you around. Backyard chickens are generally docile and serve as good pets around children with disabilities.”
The lifespan of chickens is five to 10 years, the company said, and they produce 300 eggs a year.
“Smaller or newer chicken breeds lay earlier (starting at 16-18 weeks), while larger or heritage breeds will take longer to reach maturity (24 weeks or more),” the OverEZ website explained. “The downside is, generally, early-to-lay hybrid breeds will decrease egg production after about two years. Slower-to-mature breeds will produce longer, but will eventually slow down as well.”
For those looking for friendly chickens that make the best pets, Silkies and Rhode Island Reds are among the breeds suggested.
Hundreds of breeds are found globally, but the American Poultry Association recognizes more than 50 large chicken breeds, as well as many bantam (smaller) breeds. There are an estimated 24 billion chickens worldwide, or three for every person.
Also, according to backyardchickenproject.com, the color of eggs depends on the chicken breed. And color doesn’t determine the nutritional value or how “natural” or “organic” an egg is.
Finally, in the category of oddball facts, modern-day chickens – believe it or not – share common ancestry with dinosaurs.
Though interest has settled down since the worst of the pandemic, the upward trend in sales for OverEZ remains strong. What’s happening is a lifestyle shift, Beiler said.
Chris Lesley, editor of Chickens & More magazine and author of “Raising Chickens: The Common Sense Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Chickens,” told AARP that “quarantine was the flash point that motivated a lot of people to get chickens, but the underlying reasons people wanted them are still there.”
Also boosting OverEZ Chicken Coop was Beiler’s appearance on the TV show “Shark Tank.”
Though he came away with no deal, it was “a terrific experience, interesting and fun,” he said. And the exposure was great, bringing calls from investors.
Market keeps growing
In addition to backyard coops made by Amish carpenters, the approximately 90,000-square-foot Manheim location at 340 Hostetter Road produces gazebos, pergolas and pavilions. The coop factory in Georgia is about 80,000 square feet.
Beiler said most jurisdictions don’t require zoning approval for keeping backyard chickens. OverEZ sells to every state in the U.S., as well as Canada; the No. 1 state for sales is California.
The predator-resistant, red-and-white modular coops work in all climates, he said.
There are five sizes: small, medium, large, extra large and jumbo, ranging from about $1,200 to $4,000 each. Shipping is free in the continental United States.
The small coop houses up to five chickens, the medium up to 10, the large up to 15, the extra large up to 20 and the jumbo up to 30.
By far the most popular is the large coop, Beiler said, which has two windows; the small and medium coops come with a single window.
Customers can purchase the coops through dealers (Tractor Supply is the largest), through the company website or via Shopify.
He said 50% or so of OverEZ’s business is direct to consumers from the website.
Tractor Supply also sells chicks, and they can be shipped in the mail, too, Beiler said.
OverEZ is the top-rated chicken coop on Amazon and other sites, he said. The product gets nice reviews because it’s good quality, easy to ship and put together, and easy to move around the backyard.
“With only eight separate pieces, all that is needed is 30 minutes, a screw gun, and two people to assemble an OverEz chicken coop,” the company said.
For its expansion in the European market, OverEZ has identified a place in the Czech Republic, between Prague and the German border, that will start making coops, Beiler said. In addition, an extrusion and blow-molding business in that country will manufacture high-quality feeders and waterers for the chickens.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is providing substantial support for the outreach into Europe, he said, and the exposure on “Shark Tank” helped, too.
Interest in backyard chickens is even greater in Western Europe than it is in the U.S., according to Google Analytics.
OverEZ plans to start selling to residents of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Beiler said, and then move into Belgium, France and the United Kingdom.
M. Dale Weaver Jr. and Cliff Hurter. PHOTO/PROVIDED
The board of directors of Manheim Township-based Calvary Fellowship Homes announced the appointment of M. Dale Weaver Jr. as president/CEO, effective Oct. 31.
He takes over for Cliff Hurter, who’s retiring after more than 42 years with the Christian organization, the last 34 as CEO.
Calvary Homes is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services five-star life plan community/continuing care retirement community with independent living cottages and apartments, personal care, dementia care and skilled nursing.
Weaver’s experience in the senior living industry includes serving as vice president of technology and facilities/CTO at Landis Communities and in a similar role at Brethren Village. Previous to the, he worked at Siemens Healthcare serving hospitals and health systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Grove City College and an MBA in finance from Penn State.
In a release, Calvary Fellowship Homes also praised the leadership of outgoing CEO Hurter, a founding leader in Lancaster Area Senior Services.
Interim Board Chair Jon Sensenig said in a release, “Few people work in one organization for 40-plus years. For Cliff, his work has been a Christian ministry of serving older adults. Cliff embodies Calvary Homes’ values of integrity, respect, teamwork and stewardship. Thank you, Cliff. We celebrate you, your leadership and your representation of Christ.”
Greentree Business Center, an 11-acre, 150 million-square-foot business park has been sold for $5.2 million.
Thiry Commercial arranged the sale of the park in Manheim Borough, the site of the former Raymark Industries complex. Tenants include multiple businesses that serve the Manheim Auto Auction, Thiry Commercial said.
The buyer, GTBC, LLC, was represented by Jeff Kurtz of High Associates, Ltd. and the seller, Stiegel Development Corp., was represented by John Thiry of Thiry Commercial.
ABC Keystone and the Central PA Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors have consolidated to strengthen business development and education.
G. David Sload, president and CEO at ABC Keystone in Lancaster County.
The new ABC Keystone chapter, which now covers 33 counties, was made official at the ABC National Board of Directors meeting June 14 in Washington, D.C.
The expansion of service territory benefits members across all 33 counties bringing increased business development and education opportunities to strengthen the Chapter’s 622 member firms and their associates and to educate and train their nearly 25,000 employees, ABC Keystone President and CEO Daivid Sload said.
“We are looking forward to providing growth opportunities to members from all 33 counties throughout our footprint. This consolidation is a positive step forward for the construction industry as we work alongside our members to develop current employees and to build tomorrow’s workforce,” Sload said. “Our team of 20 staff members are energized to provide expanded services to members in these 23 additional counties to increase their membership ROI and to advocate for their businesses. We are committed to ensuring the success of all our members.”
Following the consolidation, former ABC Central PA Chapter Board Chair Eli Ace, Nexen Construction LLC, State College, has been appointed as a director of the ABC Keystone Board.
Lennox Industries Inc. signed a 12,000-square-foot long-term lease for Suite 108 at 7917 Derry St., Swatara Township. Based in Richardson, Texas, Lennox provides climate control products, including Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration and Armstrong brands. It has manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America and a network of more than 6,000 independent dealers. Landmark Commercial Realty/TCN represented the landlord, Select Capital Commercial Properties, and SVN/Latus represented the tenant.
2080 Partners LLC purchased a 20,500-square-foot, two-story, multi-tenanted office building at 2080 Linglestown Road, Susquehanna Township, from 2016 Associates for $1.5 million. An affiliate of Patriot Investments, 2080 Partners bought the building, which is 98% occupied, as an investment. Campbell Commercial Real Estate, Inc. represented the buyer, and NAI/CIR represented the seller.
The United Way of York County recently moved its offices to 140 E. Market St., York, from 800 E. King St., York.
Backdrop Home subleased 7,072 square feet at 415 Railroad Ave., Hampden Township. The space will serve as a warehouse for Backdrop Home, a paint company based out of Los Angeles. Campbell Commercial Real Estate Inc. represented the sublessor.
A 53,680-square plaza at 829 State St., Lemoyne, was sold. Next to West Shore Farmers Market, the fully occupied plaza is comprised of 23 retail, flex and office suites. NAI CIR represented the buyer and seller, who were unidentified.
Equipment Depot leased 13,284 square feet of retail space at 1260 Corporate Blvd., West Hempfield Township, from the Murry Cos. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the landlord.
White Rose Wealth Management LLC leased 1,588 square feet of office space at 2200 S. George St., York Township, from PeoplesBank. Bennett Williams Commercial represented both parties.
BCS West York LLC leased 3,043 square feet of retail space at 810 Town Center Drive, West Manchester Township, from Manchester Mall Associates LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented both parties.
Viet Bui leased 1,600 square feet of retail space at 738 Wertzville Road, East Pennsboro Township, from East Penn Developers LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the landlord.
Prussian Street Arcade LLC leased 2,800 square feet of retail space at 206 Rohrerstown Road, East Hempfield Township, from 206 Rohrerstown Road LP. Bennett Williams Commercial represented both parties.
Presto Park City LLC leased 1,001 square feet of retail space at 2101 Strickler Road, Rapho Township, from Mount Joy Partners LP. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the landlord.
M.J. Krout leased 1,000 square feet of office space at 3214 E. Market St., Springettsbury Township, from Tum Investments LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the landlord.
The Redevelopment Authority of the County of York purchased 17,170 square feet of retail space at 37-41 Frederick St., Hanover, from Historic Hanover Theater LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the seller.
G. & A. Conigliaro purchased 4,450 square feet retail space at 1529 Oregon Pike, Manheim Township, from RHHL LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented both parties.
Mavis Tire Supply LLC purchased 1 acre at 786, 790 and 794 E. Main St., Ephrata Township, from SWS Investments LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the buyer.
TLMK Holdings LLC purchased 26,551 square feet of retail space at 2880 Carol Road, Springettsbury Township, from Heritage Hills Athletics I LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the seller.
Better Choice Real Estate LLC purchased 8,000 square feet of retail space at 1620 S. Queen St., Spring Garden Township, from K. Braun. Bennett Williams Commercial represented both parties.
Belco Community Credit Union purchased 1.35 acres at Centerville Road and South Tree Drive, East Hempfield Township, from Centerville Acres LP. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the seller.
SN Realty Littlestown LLC purchased 0.66 acres at 425 N. Queen St., Littlestown, from Fred & Sue Dutterer LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the buyer.
2175 S. Queen Street LLC purchased 3,411 square feet of retail space at 2175 S. Queen St., York Township, from RHHY LLC. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the seller.
K. Martin purchased 9,100 square feet of retail space at 908 N. Reading Rd., East Cocalico Township, from C. Bock. Bennett Williams Commercial represented the seller.
Gridiron Property Group LLC purchased 1180 Fahs St., West Manchester Township, for $795,000 from Debra L. Bottomley and Harry R. Bottomley Jr. The 20,425-square-foot industrial property is a half-mile south of Route 30. Rock Commercial Real Estate represented the seller, and Keller Williams Elite represented the buyer.
Robyn Alwi Photography leased an office at 3607 Rosemont Ave., Lower Allen Township, from Fernwood Office Complex. Campbell Commercial Real Estate Inc. represented both parties.
2080 Partners LLC purchased 20,500 square feet of office space at 2080 Linglestown Road, Susquehanna Township. NAI CIR represented the unidentified owner and Campbell Commercial Real Estate Inc. represented the buyer. The second floor remains available for sublease.
Taina Nicole Rios leased office Suite 200 at 4801 Derry St., Swatara Township. The 500 square feet will house her notary business. NAI CIR represented both parties. There is one 1,000-square-foot suite still available for lease in the building.
Fenner Precision Polymers, a leader in reinforced polymer technology, is moving its corporate offices from Manheim borough to Manheim Township.
The new location will be at 187 W. Airport Road, which sits on 2.94 acres. Constructed in 1998, the 35,021-square-foot industrial/flex building includes office and warehouse space.
Approximately 100 of Fenner’s office staff are expected to move into the new headquarters at the beginning of fall 2022. It’s anticipated that the remaining corporate staff will be there by the end this year.
“This is a great location for us and one that is great for the business,” Jack Krecek, Fenner’s divisional managing director, said in a release.
He noted that the West Airport Road office is just minutes from the previous site, making it a convenient commute for employees, and provides comfort and productivity advantages.
“The enhanced office space brings to life the kind of environment that will attract and retain top talent in the Lancaster area,” the release added.
“Our relocation to the new facility marks yet another proud milestone along our journey to becoming a world-class manufacturing operation,” Krecek said. “We see it as a launch pad for innovation – increasing engineering jobs for an R&D center and creating new manufacturing jobs to support Fenner’s expanding operations.” A Michelin Group Co., Fenner Precision Polymers has more than 900 employees worldwide.
Paula Wolf is a freelance writer.
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