CaptiveAire Ribbon Cutting
CaptiveAire Ribbon cutting for CaptiveAire's expansion at its facility at the Bedford County Business Park. Top Row L-R: Brent Vernon, Secretary Dennis Davin, Rep. Jesse Topper, Brian Pachtman, Eric Shuke Bottom row L-R: Commissioner Alen Frederick, Nick Perry, Bette Slayton, John Zoltowski, Bill Griffin, Matt Carter, Kaitlyn Clark

By the Gazette Staff

State, local elected and development officials, corporate leaders and guests – including welding students form the Bedford County Technical Center – were on hand Tuesday for a ribbon cutting for CaptiveAire’s new 100,200-square feet facility at the Bedford County Business Park.

Brian Pachtman, chair of the Bedford County Development Association board, said, “It is always a great feeling when Bedford County welcomes new businesses to the region. It’s especially wonderful when and existing business expands and grows, validating that Bedford County continues to be desirable location for world-class manufacturers.”

Secretary Dennis Davin, PA Department of Community and Economic Development noted that, “CaptiveAire’s success and continued growth over a decade after planting roots in Pennsylvania speaks to our state’s friendly business climate and reputation for manufacturing excellence.

“As we celebrate a second manufacturing plant and third overall expansion for the company – now employing nearly 200 and actively hiring – we also celebrate new manufacturing career opportunities for Bedford communities and major investments into the region.”

Bill Griffin, president of manufacturing and engineering for CaptiveAire, noted that the company’s presence in Bedford dates from 2009.

“It has been a great relationship with the community,” he said.

“Our Bedford facility is our most productive manufacturing center in the company due to the hard work and dedication of our employees and especially our manage here, Matt Carter. Our highly skilled employees produce HVAC equipment and provide a high level of service for the entire Northeast of the country and beyond. We are happy to be part of this community and are looking forward to future growth.”

CaptiveAire announced plans to open its first Pennsylvania facility in 2008 with $2.9 million in low-interest loan and grant assistance from DCED. The manufacturing plant opened in 2009 and created 75 new manufacturing jobs for the region.

In Marsh 2018, CaptiveAire expanded its initial facility with an additional 84,000 square fee, and by September 2020 announced its most recent expansion, including an second manufacturing plant adjacent to its existing plant. The new facility is for duct work and HVAC production lines and represents a $10 million investment.

“CaptiveAire’s continued growth and investment in Bedford County validates the productivity of our workforce, our great location and the ease of doing business here,” said Bedford County Development Association President and CEO Bette Slayton.

CaptiveAire is the nation’s leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems, and now provides a complete solution of fans, heaters, duct work, and HVAC equipment.

State Representative Jess Topper noted that the latest additions had been carried out in spite of the global COVID19 pandemic.

“We know it’s been a difficult year and a half in many ways and we are continuing to see that struggle in supply chain shortages and interruptions, and trouble finding employees. But even through all of those challenges that we face, you continue to invest and now reinvest here is Bedford County.