The northern Blair County economic sector got yet another boost yesterday with the groundbreaking of an expansion project that will allow a more than 70-year-old Altoona company to expand.
Furrer Beverage Co., Inc. has been proudly serving Central Pennsylvania since 1933 and the groundbreaking yesterday marks another rung on its ladder in a quest to be the top master distributor in the area.
“We want our competitions looking at our backs, scratching their heads and wondering how we got in front of them,” said Thomas Furrer, president of Furrer Beverage. “This expansion was the next logical step to continue to provide the high level of service expected by our customers.”
The project, with financing coordinated by the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation, involved the acquisition of property along Stroehmann Road, off the Pinecroft Interchange of Interstate 99, and will include the construction of a new 71,000-square-foot warehousing and office operation. The move to a more modern, larger facility will allow the company to meet both their current and projected growth needs. The expansion along I-99 is another testimony to the growth potential of the new highway system.
Financing of the project was coordinated by ABCD Corp. and includes equity participation, participation of the Small Business Administration’s 504 Program, Omega Bank, and the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. The project retains 21 jobs, with future creation of possibly another three employment opportunities.
“This expansion is all about the future and all about the space and access to meet future distribution needs,” said Madeline Furrer, vice-president and assistant n administrative functions, in a press release given to The Daily Herald. “We have operated in Blair County for 70 years, through three generations of family ownership. This is our home and we’re proud to be here.”
The flipping of the dirt was attended by a number of members of the Furrer family and employees of the company. Also attending were local dignitaries, ABCD members and representatives of Antis Township and beverage companies.
“On behalf of the Antis Township Board of Supervisors, we’d like to welcome you to our township,” said Leo Matuszewski, chairman of the supervisors. “We hope this leads to more businesses locating within our township.
Tim Sissler, first vice-chairman of ABCD, spoke on the importance of businesses locating along the Interstate 99 corridor.
“It’s always great to be along the corridor and seeing all the business growth,” said Sissler. “It’ great to have you (Furrer) in the county and it’s great to keep you in he county.”
Others who spoke included Paul Furrer, secretary/treasurer of Furrer Beverage Co., Inc.; Richard Scholton, senior vice president of M&T Bank; Judith Kirby, from the U.S. Small Business Administration Pittsburgh District Office; Ray Nycum, representing state Rep. Jerry Stern; Jim Gregory, representing Sen. Robert C. Jubelirer; and representatives of Anheuser-Busch and Yuengling.
Furrer Beverage is the master distributor for Anheuser-Busch products and Old German premium beer, and in 1997 it obtained the master distributorship for D.G. Yuengling & Son Beverages. Beverage distribution covers Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties and yesterday’s expansion is a testimony to the dedication of the third generation of the Furrer family.
Furrer Beverage will continue to distribute with sales to sub-distributors on both the wholesale and retail level, as well as sales to eating and drinking establishments, with a small percentage of sales to the general public.
