Berenfield confirms move to Warren
Had been 10th largest employerBy DEAN WELLS dwells@timesobserver.com
Article Photos
Berenfield Container has a new home in Warren County.
On Thursday, Berenfield officials confirmed what many who travel through Warren's West Side have suspected for nearly a month. The shipping container manufacturer, previously located in Clarendon, has purchased the former Rexnord plant located on Main Ave. in Warren.
A massive fire destroyed Berenfield's facilities in Clarendon last July.
The fire orginated in the plant's paint shop and spread rapidly. However, all 50 of the plant's employees escaped without injury.
According to the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, Berenfield was the county's 10th largest employer at the time of the blaze, employing 85 workers at its Clarendon facilities.
The company produces steel barrels ranging in size from six gallons to 75 gallons. In addition to its Warren County facilities, the company has plants in Cincinnati, Easton, Pa., Charlotte, N.C. and Pine Bluff, Ark.
The company's 40,000 square-foot plant in Clarendon posted sales volume of over $22 million in 2008.
According to Berenfield officials, the company is renovating the 112,000 square foot facility once owned by Rexnord. The plant, once in operation, will produce Berenfield's new line of 55-gallon and intermediate size steel drums.
Officials said that the move from Clarendon to Warren is part of the company's overall growth strategy and demonstrates its committment to the steel drum industry and its Pennsylvania origins.
"World-class manufacturing, quality and sustainability will continue to guide us as we move forward with this environmentally greener plant," said Len Berenfield, CEO and company president. "Our roots in the Warren area run deep, with my family operating here since 1933, so we are pleased that we are able to rebuild."
According to Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI) CEO and president Jim Decker, the WCCBI helped facilitate the acquistion of the Rexnord property and are continuing to help Berenfield in the company's efforts to upgrade their new facility.
"The WCCBI is highly appreciative of the renewed commitment made by the Berenfield team to our community and look forward to continuing to assist them as they proceed through this transitional time," Decker said.
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writer10
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07-30-10 4:43 PM
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One thing I noted is the square footage difference, is Berenfield going to use all of the square footage, possibly creating more jobs?
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Sickofthecrap
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07-30-10 1:14 PM
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"According to the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, Berenfield was the county's 10th largest employer at the time of the blaze, employing 85 workers at its Clarendon facilities." Don't you realize how sad it is that the 10th largest employer in the county only employed 85 people? Don't put your shoulder out patting yourself on the back WCCBI, we have lost alot more than we've gained... Struthers, Philips, Sylvania, CB&I, the REAL National Forge, Rexnord... Call me when you have 10,000 respectable paying jobs!
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needvwparts
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07-30-10 9:37 AM
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Good Job WCCBI!
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