"At a time when companies are consolidating and reassessing their assets, we are very happy to announce that this new distribution facility will be built in Chicopee," said Robert DeMarco, partner at Campanelli. "The Campanelli Companies looks forward to designing, building and servicing the very best possible facility for its tenant."
Breaking ground on the new facility marks the last parcel to be developed in Westover Airpark West, a former Air Force base that has been converted for private development. The park totals over 224 acres and now has over two million s/f of building area in 39 separate facilities. Westover Airpark West is already home to a number of established companies, including Tyco Healthcare, U.S. Tsubaki, Friendly Ice Cream, FedEx Ground and a range of smaller manufacturers and service companies.
There are many competitive advantages for tenants in Westover Airport West. The park has highway access to the Mass Pike as well as to I-91.
Companies in the Westover Airport West also benefit from the Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.'s (WMDC) commitment to serve as an active proponent for business activity in the park. WMDC assists companies with building layout and provides an accelerated permitting process. The long term management of the park is exemplified by the recent intersection improvements at Padgette and Sheridan Sts.
Additionally, the city maintains the reputation of a strong business supporter with a well managed government. The Chicopee tax base has a sizeable industrial and commercial component that makes the living both attractive and affordable to the tens of thousands of middle income residents.
WMDC's president, Allan W. Blair, welcomed the Campanelli investment, saying, "We are pleased that the Campanelli Companies have joined the Westover family. Their project represents a fitting capstone to WMDC's 35 year effort to convert this 224 acre vestige of the Cold War to a source of employment for the people of Western Massachusetts and a steady source of tax revenue to benefit the people of Chicopee."
"This new development is a welcome addition to the City of Chicopee ," said Kevin Jennings, president at Jennings Real Estate Services, Inc. "While activity has increased, build-to-suits are still less common. Campanelli Companies was able to offer the best combination of price and development services."
Campanelli Companies' robust health continues against a backdrop of decreased new construction nationally; Campanelli Construction Company alone has averaged $70 million per year in recent years, and the parent firm has been in business for more than six decades, successfully passing through three generations of family ownership.
About Campanelli Companies
Established in 1947, Campanelli Companies is a full-service commercial real estate development and construction company with extensive experience in the industrial, office, medical office, warehouse/distribution and retail markets. To date, Campanelli has developed 18 million square feet of commercial real estate property in New England and the Eastern Seaboard. The company's signature capabilities include land development, design and build, redevelopment and value-added acquisitions. It is Campanelli's all-encompassing and quality services that have led to its successful track record as a highly-regarded developer; from site selection, feasibility analysis, local, state and federal permitting, to architectural and engineering design, building construction and facilities and property management. With a cohesive development team that has worked together for more than fifty years, Campanelli can assure its clients that every aspect of a project is directed, monitored and controlled by Campanelli Companies. For more information, visit www.campanelli.com.
