J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc., one of New Jersey and Pennsylvania's most respected Development and Design/Build organizations, has announced a 104,238-square-foot expansion for Ecopax, LLC (Ecopax), a manufacturer of sustainable food packaging solutions.
With a strong track record of delivering complex industrial projects across the Lehigh Valley, Petrucci continues to serve as a trusted partner for manufacturers seeking to scale their operations through strategic facility development. Located at 1355 Easton Road in Bethlehem, PA, this project marks the second collaboration between Petrucci and Ecopax. In 2006, Petrucci delivered a 100,000-square-foot facility at 3600 Glover Road in Easton, PA which serves as Ecopax’s headquarters.
The new expansion will further support Ecopax’s growing manufacturing operations at Lehigh Valley Industrial Park (LVIP) Lot 53.
“Ecopax’s continued investment in their Bethlehem facility illustrates the strength of our industrial parks and the value of long-term partnerships between local companies and experienced developers like J.G. Petrucci,” says Kerry Wrobel, President of Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Inc.
The addition will complement an existing 315,643-square-foot manufacturing and warehousing facility. It will feature six new loading docks, 12 additional truck parking spaces, and upgraded fire protection infrastructure, including two new fire hydrants and a water line expansion. The project reflects Ecopax’s ongoing success and increased demand for its sustainable packaging products, including takeout containers and hot and cold paper cups and bowls designed to reduce environmental impact by using energy-efficient processes and eco-conscious materials.
“Ecopax is committed to growing our sustainable manufacturing capabilities right here in the Lehigh Valley,” says Peter Wong, Founder of Ecopax. “Petrucci built our first plant in Easton in 2006 and we believe they will continue to do an excellent job for us in this expansion.”
Lehigh Valley is home to more than 100 international companies. Food and beverage producers are a cornerstone of the region’s manufacturing-driven economy. In the past 15 years, employment in food and beverage manufacturing has grown by 76%. Global brands that operate in the Lehigh Valley include Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, Boston Beer Co., Freshpet, Just Born, Bakerly/Norac Foods, and Bimbo Bakeries.
Last month, global food and beverage leader Kerry Group announced a new, multi-million-dollar manufacturing facility in the region. In June, Turkish candy producer Kervan USA broke ground on a $20 million facility for manufacturing and packaging in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth townships that will also serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters.