A rendering of PIM Brands LLC’s soon-to-be-expanded manufacturing facility at 500 Pierce St. in the Somerset section of Franklin — Courtesy: CenterPoint Properties
By Joshua Burd
A snack maker has signed a 15-year lease extension at its facility in Somerset County, paving the way for a nearly 73,000-square-foot expansion by landlord CenterPoint Properties.
The industrial owner and developer on Wednesday announced the new commitment by PIM Brands LLC, part of the Promotion in Motion family of companies, at 500 Pierce St. in the Somerset section of Franklin. The company, whose products include Welch’s Fruit Snacks and Sun-Maid Chocolate Raisins, is experiencing increased demand and now requires an expansion of its plant that will bring its footprint to more than 255,000 square feet.
CenterPoint said the project will mark its first vertical construction undertaking in New Jersey.
“We’re thrilled to partner with PIM on this development,” said David Nenner, a senior vice president and regional manager with CenterPoint. “This building expansion will drive PIM’s production capabilities, help them continue to grow their business and create new jobs.”
In a news release, CenterPoint said the extra space will accommodate new production lines and facilitate distribution with 40-foot clear heights, six tailboard doors and 20 parking stalls for cars. The firm also noted that Chuck Fern of Cushman & Wakefield and Bob Nathin of Sheldon Gross Realty represented PIM in the deal, while Nenner represented CenterPoint in house.
“A vertical construction project like this presents new possibilities for PIM’s space,” said Brendan Warland, CenterPoint’s vice president of development. “It’s also a great addition to the 4.7 million square feet that CenterPoint manages in New York and New Jersey.”
