Tenants Bring Nearly 500 Jobs to Wharf Road Industrial Park

WAYNESBORO – A manufacturer in Hagerstown, Md., intends to move some of its operations to the Wharf Road Industrial Park in Washington Township.

Jamison Door Co. plans to move its roll-up door operation to the park. Initially the plant is to employ 18 and 25 when fully operational.

“We’re approaching 450 to 500 people working in that industrial complex,” said L. Michael Ross, president of the Franklin County Area Development Corp. “It’s allowed us to meet the demand for small and mid-sized companies in the area. It’s a development that has worked.”

With the arrival of Jamison, just a few acres remain to be developed in the 122-acre industrial park located off Pa. 16 near the village of Zullinger.

The Franklin County Area Development Corp. is to deliver in nine to 12 months a 50,000-square-foot building for Jamison, according to Ross

“Time is of the essence,” Ross said. “It’s an aggressive time table when you’re starting from scratch.”

FCADC expects to close on the 6-acre lot within 45 days and is designing the building and seeking approval of a land development plan, according to Ross.

“We have great respect for Jamison CEO John T. Williams and the Jamison team, and we welcome the opportunity to keep them in the area,” Ross said. “Logistically the Wharf Road location works well for them.”

Jamison, founded in 1906, makes a variety of doors for industrial freezers and refrigerators. The company employs about 120 people in Washington County, Md. Its high speed roll-up, fabric door was developed through a partnership with Italian manufacturer BMP.

“It’s given businesses in the region a place to grow,” Ross said. “Now our next challenge is: Where do we go with Jamison-like projects.”

One of the largest potential employers in the Wharf Road Industrial Park has yet to get going.

Hadley Farms Bakery announced in August a $10 million project and bought a lot in the industrial park. The industrial bakery will employ more than 120 people. The company is not announcing a start up date, but remains committed to moving its operations from Smithsburg, Md., Ross said.

Another of the final building lots in the park is under a purchase agreement, Ross said.

Ross said the park was created to host companies that would supply original equipment manufacturers in the county such as Manitowoc and JLG Industries. Pro Tube Inc., a maker of hydraulic and mechanical tubes, is the lone supplier to move to the park.

Many of the companies building in the park a have relocated from Maryland.

Jim Hook, 717-262-4759

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