Fenner buys land, looks to consolidate some operations

Lititz, Pa. — Fenner Precision Polymers, which exists within Michelin Group's High-Tech Materials division, is consolidating its Pennsylvania operations under one very large roof, reports our sister publication Rubber News.

The company will begin manufacturing operations in a new 400,000-square-foot building on 41 acres in Manheim in central Pennsylvania, by 2025.

"Fenner's continued focus on growth and this exciting new development project is a testament to the strength of the manufacturing industry and we look forward to spurring it onward through the innovation and productivity that will be born here," said Jack Krecek, divisional managing director for Fenner Precision Polymers.

The 41 acres, located in Lancaster County's Penn Township, is zoned light industrial, fitting the Fenner mission perfectly. The land previously was owned by Kreider Farms.

A purchase price for the land or overall capital investment for Fenner for the development was not known.

"The project plans to consolidate the majority of Fenner's manufacturing plant sites in Pennsylvania into one location," Fenner stated in a June 20 press release.

It was not immediately clear what facilities in Pennsylvania would be consolidated. Fenner has rubber and polyurethane operations.

Fenner Precision Polymers has manufacturing facilities in Lancaster and Manheim, Pa., as well as Wilmington, N.C., and Los Angeles.

The company recently opened a new, 35,000-sqare-foot "momentum center" in Lititz, Pa., about 5 miles from Manheim.

Fenner has additional global manufacturing facilities in Italy, the United Kingdom and China.

"Manufacturing remains the top leading contributor to GDP in Lancaster County at 19 percent and it is the second leading employment sector at 16 percent," Krecek said.

According to Fenner, reducing the number of plants "streamlines operations and improves staff collaboration and the sharing of skillsets."

Having operations under one roof also will help Fenner realize cost savings through operational efficiencies, according to Fenner.

"In the end, the new development will deliver a world-class manufacturing environment the company will be proud to showcase to its customers," Fenner said.

The new Fenner site also will fall in line with Michelin's stated net zero goals by 2050.

Fenner first looked to find an existing structure to consolidate its operations, but no suitable options were found in that area of central Pennsylvania that could accommodate Fenner's upward growth trajectory, Fenner said.

"Availability of commercial space remains extremely tight," Fenner said June 20.

However, building anew on a greenfield site will allow Fenner to incorporate energy-efficient equipment that uses renewable energy sources, and reduces its water consumption and waste generation. Michelin has invested in similar initiatives with its North American tire operations.

Building design and land preparation will continue through 2023, Fenner said, and construction will be completed during the next five years.

"While Fenner Precision Polymers enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Manheim Township and Manheim Borough, the company's growth trajectory, need for accommodating that growth and market availability for commercial development necessitated a change in location," Fenner said.

Fenner has been a critical cog in the economic resilience of the region, according to Lisa Riggs, former president of the Lancaster County Economic Development Co.

"The economic resilience and vitality of central Pennsylvania are immensely stronger thanks to the contributions of manufacturing enterprises like Fenner Precision Polymers," Riggs said, adding that Lancaster County's GDP increased 5 percent from 2020 to 2021, with manufacturing and professional business services responsible for 46 percent of that growth.

"Fenner's development project helps maintain the sector's momentum," she said.

Fenner Precision Polymers and its subsidiaries, Fenner Drives, Fenner Precision, James Dawson, Fabri Cote, Mav SpA, Hoyt and Lumsden Belting, among others, comprise more than 900 employees worldwide.

Fenner Precision Polymers supports customers in the 3D printing, document handling, transportation, mining, agriculture, aerospace, climate control, material handling, food processing, and manufacturing industries.

Product lines include coated fabrics and technical textiles, link belting for power transmission and conveying, keyless locking devices, Eagle polyurethane belting, silicone and organic rubber hoses, customized bearing solutions and PowerMax composite products.