Cambridge-Lee Industries’ Story
Cambridge-Lee Industries entered the copper tube industry in 1955 as a small distributor serving the U.S. plumbing market. Over the years, the company has evolved into one of the world’s largest distributors of copper with sales offices in every corner of the globe.
During 1993, Industrias Unidas S.A. de C.V. (IUSA), one of Mexico’s largest conglomerates, acquired Cambridge-Lee. IUSA has a modern, state-of-art copper refinery and tube mill in Pasteje Mexico. In 1996, Cambridge-Lee purchased Reading Tube Corporation, a major U.S. producer of copper tube. As a result of the merger and acquisition, Cambridge-Lee has become one of the world’s leaders in the manufacturing and distribution of copper tube for water supply, air conditioning, refrigeration and a variety of commercial applications.
Currently, Cambridge-Lee has three plants in Greater Reading, Pennsylvania. The expansion will add a fourth plant. The company employs over 420 people-approximately 350 of those jobs are based in Greater Reading. The expansion will create an additional 250 jobs.
How we helped Cambridge-Lee Industries
“Greater Reading Economic Partnership helps to connect the dots and helps to get quick resolution of problems that you have.”
-Andrea Funk, CFO, Cambridge-Lee Industries
To learn more about Greater Reading and how Greater Reading Economic Partnership can assist you, contact us.
Find out more about Cambridge-Lee Industries by clicking here.
Competitive Advantages that Encourage your Business’s Growth: FTZ 147
More than just an affordable, strategic location, Greater Reading is home to a supportive business network that encourages innovation and creativity. In addition, our diverse population and proactive workforce make finding talented, driven individuals an easy and efficient process. Our area is also home to Foreign Trade Zone 147 and several Keystone Opportunity Zones. At Greater Reading Economic Partnership we’ll work with you, opening the door to rewarding new opportunities for your business—all to help you be something greater.
The Greater Reading area offers these distinct competitive advantages:
- 100 million people within an overnight drive, representing a huge market for your business
- An array of Class-A office buildings, industrial parks, manufacturing sites, and prime retail locations to set up shop
- A reliable electric grid to keep your business up and running
- Low risk for natural disasters, providing you with peace of mind
- Good management relations for ultimate convenience
- A low-wage, high-quality manufacturing infrastructure
To learn more about the Greater Reading area’s competitive advantages click here.
Foreign Trade Zone 147
FTZ is considered outside the customs territory of the United States for the purposes of duty payment. Under zone procedures, the usual formal customs entry procedure and payment of duties are not required on merchandise unless it enters customs territory for domestic consumption, in which case the importer has a choice of paying duties on the original foreign material or the finished product.FTZ 147 is administered by the Campbell Trade Group and Greater Reading Economic Partnership. The
FTZ 147 encompasses three sites in the Greater Reading region. The largest is located at the Reading Regional Airport and is comprised of 865 acres.
To learn more about FTZ 147 click here.
WWII Weekend in Reading, PA | June 7-9, 2013
The first weekend in June draws history buffs near and far to Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s Annual World War II Weekend. The three day event recreates the era with encampments, a French village, authentic gear, vehicles and historic warbirds circling overhead. Make plans to take a ride in one of these historic planes. World War II Weekend is a “Don´t Miss” event for the entire family and includes 80 aircraft, 200 vehicles, and reenactments that include 1, 700 actors spread over 10 acres. Go back in time to learn about WWII from the brave men and women who lived it. Big Band Dances, historical reenactments, visiting veterans and dignitaries make for a wonderful weekend.
WWII Weekend is TEN SHOWS in one!
Get more entertainment value for your money! Bring the kids for one of the most memorable history lessons they will ever experience.
Click here to learn more about Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s Annual World War II Weekend.
How Cambridge-Lee went to market faster in Greater Reading
When copper tube manufacturer Cambridge-Lee Industries decided to expand operations, they chose to build a new plant in Greater Reading. More than just an affordable, strategic location in southeastern Pennsylvania, Greater Reading gave them access to a skilled workforce, a choice of excellent properties, and a well-connected business community that streamlined the approval process—so they could break ground months ahead of schedule.
To learn more about this Greater Reading, PA success story, visit our website.
Why TAB Industries is all Wrapped Up With Greater Reading
TAB Industries discovered more in Greater Reading than just an affordable, strategic location in southeastern Pennsylvania. They found easy access—to a labor pool with a strong work ethic, desirable transportation routes and an abundance of valuable, competent fabrication providers. In Greater Reading, TAB Industries found a dynamic community where they can expand and achieve great things.
Hear from Tom Brizek, President and CEO of TAB Industries, LLC, about why Greater Reading made sense for his growing company.
To learn more about this Greater Reading, PA success story, visit our website.
New Agricultural Product Manufacturer Locates Facility in Greater Reading
The Greater Reading Economic Partnership (GREP) is pleased to announce the location of GreatGrow Incorporated, a manufacturing and resource and development company in green agricultural technology, to the Muhlenberg Industrial Mall in Muhlenberg Township, Pennsylvania.
GreatGrow, Inc. will be manufacturing a biodegradable soil amendment product that could eliminate the use of traditional farm fertilizer. The soil amendment lets the ground store oxygen, water and nutrients at greater levels and also repels negative bacteria, fungus and viruses. The combination can mean greater crop yields at a reduced price and increased levels of antioxidants, according to Stanley Thornton, President and Founder.
The company will begin to produce product in the 20,000 square foot building In Muhlenberg Township. GreatGrow, Inc. will be employing more than 20 people in its first year of operations. The company could have as many as 200 employees in five years.
“We are pleased to welcome this innovative, high-growth company to Greater Reading. We want to attract companies like GreatGrow, Inc. that are pioneers and industry leaders. Their location choice proves that Greater Reading is a smart and competitive choice that delivers not only an affordable location, but also a diverse, proactive community that supports innovation.” Jon Scott, Greater Reading Economic Partnership, President and CEO.
Greater Reading Industrial Park Land Sales Win Best of 2012
Berks Park 78 Industrial Land Sale Recognized in the Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal as Best of 2012
Congratulations to the Berks County Industrial Development Authority and Jeff Williams of Cushman Wakefield for making it onto the MAREJ’s Best of 2012 list!
To see a complete list of available properties in Greater Reading, PA, visit the property section on GreaterReading.com
Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup Results
State of PA Places Third in The Governor’s Cup
The State of Pennsylvania has been ranked number 3 in the 2012 Top States list by number of projects and ranked number 1 in the Northeast region, with a total of 430 projects in 2012.
Read more about it on GreaterReading.com
Economic Development in Greater Reading BCTV Show
March edition of Economic Development in Greater Reading on BCTV featured business-related transportation in Greater Reading, PA
Deb Heffner, GREP Economic Development Coordinator, hosts with guests Jesse Moose of Norfolk Southern Railroad and Dave Weidler of Reading Air.
Berks County Property Receives KOZ Designation
PA Department of Community and Economic Development has designated 206 acres of the New Morgan Business Center site as a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ)
This newly-designated zone features 206 acres of land either for sale or for lease in a prime development location at the Morgantown Interchange of the Pennsylvania turnpike. Its central locale enables businesses to draw from a labor pool encompassing Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties.
“We are excited to be able to promote the New Morgan Business Center site as a KOZ area,” said Jon Scott, President and CEO, GREP. “This unique program allows Greater Reading to develop underutilized land and buildings by providing tax relief at both the state and local level. It encourages business not only to consider relocating to Greater Reading, PA, but also to expand.”
Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ) have been called one of the nation’s boldest and most innovative economic and community development programs. Specifically, through credits, waivers and broad-based tax abatements, total taxes on economic activity in these zones are significantly reduced. These benefits can affect the following taxes:
State: Corporate Net Income tax
- Capital Stock and Foreign Franchise tax
- Personal Income tax
- Sales and Use tax (purchases consumed and used by businesses in the Zone)
- Mutual and Thrift Institution tax
- Bank and Trust Company Shares tax
- Insurance Premium tax
Local: Earned Income/Net Profits tax
- Business Gross Receipts, Business Occupancy, Business Privilege and Mercantile tax
- Sales and Use tax (county/city; purchases used and consumed by business in the Zone)
- Property tax
For more information on the New Morgan Business Center, please contact Pamela Shupp, Vice President, Greater Reading Economic Partnership at (610)376.4237 or Pamela@GreaterReading.com.
To learn more about KOZ properties in Greater Reading, Pennsylvania, visit GreaterReading.com