BEDMINSTER - Freshpet, the fast-growing refrigerated pet food company with projected 2024 sales of nearly $1 billion, has broken ground on its new global headquarters near the intersection of routes 202 and 206 in partnership with Advanced Realty Investors.
Freshpet, which started in 2006 in Secaucus, will build a 30,000-square-foot, eco-friendly facility scheduled for completion in early 2025.
The facility, designed by 2023 New Jersey “Architect of the Year” Nancy Doughtery, will be home to 100 employees and will later be joined by 20,000 square feet of retail, dining and amenity space.
The entire area is part of Advanced Realty Investors’ plan to create a “reimagined” home campus called Bedminster Village Square.
More: Expansion planned for Route 206 corporate campus in Bedminster. Here are the details
The location of the office and Advance’s proposed campus are part of the reason Freshpet CEO Billy Cyr and co-founder Scott Morris decided to move to Bedminster.
“This location offers exceptional access to major roadways and a bucolic environment that aligns with our commitment to a balanced work-life experience,” said Morris. “The additional retail and amenities planned by Advance will create a vibrant and supportive campus for our team.”
Major roadway access is crucial to Freshpet as two of their factories are in Bethlehem and Quakertown, Pa., which can be easily accessed by I-78.
“As our company has grown and the way we work has evolved, we’re moving towards creating an environment that encourages better team collaboration while providing closer proximity to our technical base in our Pennsylvania kitchens,” said Cyr.
The July 25 ceremony was attended by Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs, Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy, State Senator Doug Steinhardt (R-District 16) and representatives from both Freshpet and Advanced Realty Investors.
Cyr, Advanced Realty Investors founder Peter Cocoziello Sr., Jacobs, Robinson, and others on the Advance team spoke at the event.
“This was a match. Developer, tenant and town,” said Jacobs. “Within a few weeks of our first meeting, we were hard at work making zoning adjustments to reflect a new approach to our commercial properties, focusing on land efficiency, increased amenities and the integration of retail into our office properties.”
This sentiment reflects a commitment from both Jacobs and Robinson to “build back and build better” Bedminster and Somerset County after the pandemic.
County and local officials are welcoming corporate partners and trying to create new opportunities for the workforce.
“Having global corporations such as Freshpet come to Somerset County is great for the workforce and the economy,” said Robinson, “and it’s just great to have good corporate partners.”
Jacobs added a declaration about his own township.
“While the office market is suffering across our country,” said Jacobs, “it is not lifeless here in Bedminster.”
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Freshpet bringing fresh life to Somerset County with new headquarters
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