2 companies, nearly 200 jobs join Westmoreland Technology Park II

Two companies are joining Westmoreland Technology Park II, one that is expanding its presence in the county and a second new manufacturing firm.

The Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. board recently announced two sales agreements at the park that spans Hempfield and East Huntingdon: $439,600 for 11 acres with Red Fish, representing Fossil Industries, and $803,400 for 13 acres with Al. Neyer, a Cincinnati-based real estate developer.

Fossil Industries could employ as many as 38 people in five years and about 150 people will work in Al. Neyer’s space, according to Westmoreland County officials.

Fossil Industries will use two lots to build a 41,000-square-foot facility, according to the announcement. Most of the building will be used to manufacture consumer products, such as grills, fireplace pieces and aftermarket automotive items. More manufacturing space could be added in future years.

“I think there will always be demand for top-quality components in all sorts of industries,” said James Rose of Murrysville, an engineer and founder of Fossil Industries.

The Westmoreland County commissioners said the business plans to provide profit-sharing to employees and work with local students at career and technical schools.

Al. Neyer plans to construct Hempfield Commerce Center, a 150,000-square-foot building that will be used for warehousing and/or light manufacturing and office space. Construction is expected to begin in October. The building could be ready for occupants next year.

“Westmoreland Technology Park II provides a great opportunity to build high-quality, flexible industrial space in Westmoreland County,” said Brandon Snyder, vice president of real estate development with Al. Neyer.

The firm became the first company to sign on at the county’s newest industrial park, Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland. County officials broke ground for the industrial park in October 2018 along Waltz Mill Road in Sewickley Township, where five pad-ready sites are set on 200 acres.

The agreement calls for Al. Neyer to pay $3.2 million to buy two lots totaling 53 acres. Warehouses of 240,000 and 233,000 square feet are set for the space, county officials said.

Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland is nearing completion and the property is being marketed. It is expected to be finished next year after a PennDOT project revamping the exit to the park from Interstate 70 is done.