A new 930,000-square-foot distribution center for East Penn Manufacturing was officially unveiled Friday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Maidencreek Township, marking a major expansion for the Berks County-based company.
Developed by the Wolfson Group, the facility at 8697 Allentown Pike is expected to centralize operations and improve distribution efficiency for East Penn’s products across the United States.
Company officials, local leaders, and project partners gathered for the ceremony, which highlighted both the scale of the project and its anticipated economic impact.
“This facility truly represents an important step forward for East Penn,” said Christy Weeber, President of East Penn Manufacturing. “It allows us to bring many synergies together and create more consistency in how we serve our customers.”
Weeber said the warehouse will consolidate operations from multiple locations into one centralized hub, where finished products will be stored and shipped nationwide. The move is expected to streamline logistics and reduce transportation demands.
The facility will employ approximately 600 to 650 workers once fully operational. While some positions will be phased in over time, Weeber said the company expects the transition to take about six months, with shipping anticipated to begin in the coming weeks.
“We’re excited to provide a modern workspace that brings together our teams and creates new efficiencies and opportunities,” she said.
The project was completed in just over 10 months, according to Steve Wolfson of the Wolfson Group, who emphasized the collaboration required to bring the development to completion.
“This was true teamwork between government, between the township, between the developer, and all of the partners involved,” Wolfson said.
The building spans roughly 600 feet in width and 1,600 feet in length, with approximately 170 loading docks. Wolfson noted the structure is large enough to fit nearly 20 football fields inside.
Officials at the local, state, and federal levels attended the event, including U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, who called the project a sign of continued economic growth in the region.
“One of the best parts of my job is to witness growth in our region,” Dean said. “It’s also fun to see things being built here in America.”
Pennsylvania Sen. Chris Gebhard described East Penn as “an economic powerhouse” in Berks County and praised the collaboration that helped move the project forward.
At the local level, Joshua Meck, Chairman of the Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors, said the new facility represents both economic opportunity and long-term investment in the community.
“For many residents, it represents employment opportunities, personal growth, and the ability to provide for their families,” Meck said.
As part of the ceremony, Wolfson also announced donations to several local organizations, including the Trinity Bible Fellowship Food Pantry, Maidencreek Township Parks and Recreation, Fleetwood Area Library, and the Blandon Fire Company Relief Association. Wolfson said each group would receive $2,500, describing the contributions as part of the company’s effort to support the local community as it establishes a long-term presence in the township.
East Penn Manufacturing, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is one of the region’s largest employers and a leading manufacturer of batteries and related products.
Weeber said the company remains committed to growing in Berks County while maintaining its focus on employees and the surrounding community.
“Being a good neighbor has always been a core value for us,” she said. “We look forward to building strong relationships here in Maidencreek Township and within the Berks County community for many years to come.”