The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), announced today that the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) approved an economic development loan at its May board meeting in Harrisburg to benefit F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc.
PIDA will extend a $700,000 loan to assist F. M. Brown’s Sons, Inc. with the purchase of equipment to facilitate a new production line. The production line will be in the Pet Foods Division, which is the largest division of the company located in Sinking Spring. This division is responsible for the manufacturing of small animal food, caged bird food, wild bird food and pigeon food. In addition, the loan will help to purchase pallet racking for a warehouse that will be used as a distribution center. This expansion will enable the company to hire additional employees and provide better services to local companies.
“FM Brown’s Sons is grateful for the support of GBDF, GRCA and PIDA. These organizations are important to our community and easy to work with. It is our desire to continue to support our local economy by investing in our company,” said Marianne Brown Egolf, President of F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc.
This family-owned company was started in 1871 and is currently represented by fifth and sixth generation Brown family members. With locations in Sinking Spring, Fleetwood and Birdsboro, it is an important part of Berks County history and economy.
The GBDF is the Certified Economic Development Organization for Berks County for PIDA. Since 2005, GBDF has assisted in 156 projects in Berks County totaling over $159 Million of financing assistance.
For more information regarding project financing available through the GRCA, call Landon Bernheiser at 610-898-7792 or send him an email at lbernheiser@greaterreading.org.