Two Berks companies win funding from BFTP

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania has approved the investment of $485,000 in support of regional economic development, including two companies and a business incubator from Berks County.

A total of 11 companies and 12 business incubators in BFTP/ NEP’s 21-county service area received funding.

The companies receiving matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based innovation in established manufacturers are

• Brenntag Northeast Inc., Ontelaunee Township will receive $10,000 to improve warehouse and operating efficiencies at the plant along Route 61. Brenntag Northeast is a chemical distributor that provides custom-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. The company delivers specific application technology, extensive technical support, and value-added services including just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, and drum return handling. Brenntag offers more than 10,000 products through a comprehensive supplier network. The company is partnered with Lehigh University’s Enterprise Systems Center

• Reitnouer Inc., Cumru Township, will receive $15,000 to implement productivity improvements to reduce manufacturing costs with process standardization and line balancing at this manufacturer of aluminum flatbed and drop deck trailers. Reitnouer utilizes an innovative approach in building the trailer structures that improves product strength and durability. The company is partnered with Lehigh University’s Center for Supply Chain Research

BFTP/NEP has also announced an infrastructure initiatives, which are provided in the form of grants of $5,000 each, to 12 regional incubators in the Ben Franklin Business Incubator Network. Included in that group is the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at Alvernia University.