Campanelli Companies begins construction of 60,000 s/f expansion project for Airxchange

Despite reports of a slowing economy, business has been active for the Braintree-based Campanelli Companies. Over the past two months, Campanelli has acquired three major projects, one being the construction and development services for a 60,000 s/f expansion and facility renovation to Airxchange Inc.'s headquarters in Rockland. Airxchange is a major manufacturer of energy recovery ventilation components for the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) industry. Marked by the ground breaking ceremony on July 28th, construction has begun on the built-to-suit expansion that is estimated to create up to 100 new jobs in the next three years. Campanelli Companies was named general contractor of the project due to its many years of experience and veteran status in the industry, as well as its vertically integrated full service platform to design this expansion and renovation project. "At a time when Airxchange is projecting considerable growth it's important that senior management is keeping their eye on our business and not the new building development," said Randy Steele, vice president, general manager of Airxchange. "We choose Campanelli because we knew they would do an excellent job providing us the best turn-key construction and development services in the most professional manner." Designed by RKB Architectural Associates, the project is comprised of the new 60,000 s/f addition that will primarily facilitate the operations of the manufacturing department by providing more space, loading docks and an improved vehicular traffic flow on site. Known as one of the five Massachusetts companies to be awarded an Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit, Airxchange's new facility will be a prime example of a "green" building; the space will feature highly efficient lighting and controls, a white roof, locally produced tilt-up concrete walls and Airxchange's own Energy Recovery Wheels to help reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Also included in the plan are office upgrades, such as a new main entryway, to support the engineering, sales and marketing, general and administrative departments. When the build-to-suit extension is completed, the facility will be about 95,000 s/f. This massive addition is designed to support the ongoing operations and to accommodate for the growth of Airxchange. In addition to providing design-build and engineering services, Campanelli Companies has assisted in securing the permitting for the project. The expected completion date of the project is the first quarter of 2011. Campanelli Companies was founded in 1947. Initially specializing in residential real estate, Campanelli later embarked on the commercial and industrial construction market in the mid 1960s. Today, under the successful third generation of leadership from Jeff, Daniel and Robert DeMarco, Campanelli Companies has over 18 million s/f of commercial real estate developments in New England and the Eastern Seaboard. The company's signature capabilities include land development, design and build, redevelopment and value-added acquisitions. Campanelli's all-encompassing and quality services have led the company to become one of the most distinguished commercial real estate development and construction companies in the region.