Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:45 PM

Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)

Applicant Information
Applicant Entity Non-Profit Corporation
Type:
Applicant Name: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Charitable
False
organization?
NAICS Code 9211

FEIN/SSN XXXXXXXXX
Number
UEI Number:
Top
Official/Signing Jeremy Zaborowski
Authority:
Title: Executive Director
XXXXXX
SAP Vendor #:

Contact Name: Diane Bujnovsky

Contact Title: Financial Coordinator
Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX Ext. XXXX
Alternate Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-mail: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Mailing Address: 400 E. Wyomissing Avenue, Mailbox 4

City: Mohnton

State: PA

Zip Code: 19540-1503

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Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:45 PM

Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)

Company Information
Company Entity C Corporation
Type:
Company Name: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Incorporated in
True
PA?
Registered to do
True
business in PA?
NAICS Code 3111

PA Revenue Tax
Box#:
FEIN: XXXXXXXXX

UEI Number:
Top
Official/Signing Ronald Scheese
Authority:
Title: Chief Executive Officer
XXXXXX
SAP Vendor #:

Contact Name: Marianne Brown-Egolf

Contact Title: Corporate President
Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX Ext. XXXX
Alternate Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-mail: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Mailing Address: 205 Woodrow Avenue, PO Box 2116

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City: Sinking Spring

State: PA

Zip Code: 19608-9323

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Business Specifics
Current # of
Full-time
Employees:
(In PA): 165

(World Wide:) 168

Minority Owned: No
Select
Woman Owned: No
Veteran Owned: No
Total Sales $: 95,800,000
Total Export
790,000
Sales $:
R&D
2 (% of Budget)
Investment:
Employee
Training 1 (% of Budget)
Investment:

Enterprise Type
Indicate the types of enterprises that describe the organization listed above. You may select more than one type.

Advanced Agri- Biotechnology / Life

Agri-Producer Authority
Technology Processor Sciences

Business Financial Call Child Care Community Dev.

Commercial
Services Center Center Provider

Computer & Clerical Defense Economic Dev. Educational Emergency

Operators Related Provider Facility Responder

Environment and Exempt Export Export

Food Processing
Conservation Facility Manufacturing Service

Government Hospitality Industrial Manufacturing

Healthcare

Professional Regional & National

Mining Other Recycling
Services Headquarters

Research & Social Services Tourism

Retail Warehouse & Terminal
Development Provider Promotion

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Agri-Processor,Agri-Producer,Commercial,Economic Dev. Provider,Export

Manufacturing,Food Processing,Industrial,Manufacturing,Regional &
National Headquarters,Research & Development,Warehouse & Terminal,

Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Overview

Project Name:
Building Berks’ Future: A Next-Generation Distribution Hub

Is this project related to another previously submitted project?

No

If yes, indicate previous project name:

Have you contacted anyone at DCED about your project?

No

If yes, indicate who:

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Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Site Locations

Address: 435 Mountain Home Road

City: Sinking Spring

State: PA

Zip Code: 19608-9323

County: Berks

Municipality: South Heidelberg Township

PA House: Eric Weaknecht (5)

PA Senate: Christopher Gebhard (48)

Current Employees: 168

Jobs To Be Created: 130

Designated Areas:

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Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Budget

Redevelopment Total Match Total

Assistance Private
Capital Program
(RACP)

Miscellaneous $10,000,000.00 $10,561,786.00

Total Project Cost $10,000,000.00 $10,561,786.00 $20,561,786.00

Total $10,000,000.00 $10,561,786.00

Budget
$20,561,786.00
Total:

Basis of Cost
Provide the basis for calculating the costs that are identified in the Project Budget.
Contractor Estimates, Engineer Estimates

Budget Narrative
The narrative must specifically address each of the cost items identified in the Project Budget section. If an amount is placed in any of the OTHER
categories, you must specify what the money will be used for. NOTE: Some programs have specific guidelines regarding the narrative necessary to
qualify for that particular resource. Please read the Program Guidelines for details.
The total project cost for the F.M. Brown’s 25 month Project to construct a 120,000 sq. ft. distribution
warehouse is estimated at $20,561,786. The project will be completed in four phases, each with defined
activities and cost estimates.

Phase 1 – Architectural and Engineering ($1,095,600):Meister-Cox Architects will provide all design and
professional services. This includes schematic and final design, construction drawings, bidding support,
and construction administration. These services ensure the project is shovel-ready and coordinated
across disciplines, including sustainable and cost-efficient design practices.

Phase 2 – Site Preparation ($2,966,186): Includes all necessary site development work to ready the 18.2-
acre property for vertical construction. Activities include site grading, erosion and sediment controls,

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stormwater management, utility connections, mobilization, stakeout, and site lighting. These foundational
activities establish a buildable site and mitigate risk during construction.

Phase 3 – Exterior Construction ($10,670,000 approx.): L2i Construction’s cost estimate allocates the
majority of funds to vertical construction. Exterior work includes concrete foundations and slabs ($6.19M),
tilt-up concrete wall panels, structural steel framing ($1.6M), roofing and moisture protection ($724K),
doors and windows ($161K), and associated general requirements ($524K). These activities deliver the
building envelope, ensuring the warehouse is structurally sound, weather-tight, and prepared for interior
systems.

Phase 4 – Interior Construction ($5,830,000 approx.): Interior buildout will also be managed by L2i
Construction. This includes fire protection systems, dock equipment, interior finishes ($405K), mechanical
systems ($2.95M for HVAC, plumbing, and sprinklers), electrical systems ($2.1M), and contingencies,
bonds, and insurance ($680K). Together these elements complete the warehouse interior, equipping the
facility with all necessary systems for operations.

Funding Allocation: The requested $10 million in RACP funds will be applied to Phases 2–4 (site
preparation and construction costs). The private match of $10,561,786 will support the balance of
construction costs as well as all Phase 1 architectural and engineering services.

This phased funding strategy ensures that state funds directly support tangible, capital-intensive
construction and site development, while private investment provides comprehensive coverage of
professional design and supplemental costs. The combined resources guarantee timely completion of the
project, safeguard existing jobs, and create new opportunities for economic growth in Berks County and
across the Commonwealth.

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Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Narrative

How does this project provide a benefit or improvement to a community?

Identify a problem or need in the community (cultural, recreational, historical, civic). Indicate how that will be rectified with this projects completion.
Berks faces a pressing need for modern industrial infrastructure to sustain job growth, retain
employers and support long-standing businesses. F.M. Brown’s current facilities limit operational
efficiency, constraining growth and threatening competitiveness. Without investment, the
community risks losing a sixth-generation employer that provides stable jobs and contributes
significantly to the local economy.

By constructing a 120,000 sq. ft. distribution hub, this project consolidates operations, ensures
business continuity, and creates our expansion in the pet food sector. The resulting economic
impact includes 30 new FTEs and an estimated 100 trade jobs during construction (temp) as well
as safeguarding existing employment (168 FTEs) and therefore strengthening the local tax base.
The project reinforces the County’s industrial strength providing long term stability for the
workforce and ensuring the community retains a critical contributor to its economic and civic
identity.

What will this project entail?

Give a complete project description. Indicate the construction, renovations or improvements that will take place. Indicate what properties will be used or
purchased for use.
The project entails construction of a new 120,000 square foot tilt-up concrete warehouse on 18.2
acres owned by F.M. Brown’s Sons Inc. located at 435 Mountain Home Road, Sinking Spring, PA
19608 within South Heidelberg Township in Berks County. This state-of-the-art facility will
consolidate two existing business units into a single distribution hub, improving efficiency,
eliminating redundant operations, and creating capacity for continued growth in the dry pet food
sector.
Construction will include full site development, foundations, utility connections, loading docks,
parking areas, and associated infrastructure. No additional property purchases are required, as
the land is already owned by the company. Upon completion, the warehouse will serve as a critical
logistics center that enhances operational scalability, safeguards existing jobs, and supports long-
term economic development in Berks County and the Commonwealth.

How do you plan to use the funds?

Should include specific use of funds and reflect the budget provided with the application.

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Total project cost is $20,561,786 which covers architectural/engineering, site preparation, and
construction for a new 120,000 sq. ft. distribution warehouse. FM Brown's is requesting $10M and
will match $10,561,786. Architectural and engineering services, estimated at $1.1 million by
Meister-Cox Architects, include design, drawings, documentation, bidding, and construction
administration. Site preparation, estimated at $2,966,186 encompasses grading, mobilization,
stake out, erosion and sediment controls, and site lighting. Construction activities, estimated at
$16.5 million include concrete foundations and slabs, tilt-up wall panels, structural steel, roofing,
doors and windows, finishes, dock equipment, fire protection, and full mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing systems. State funds will offset these critical capital costs, bridging gaps created by
escalating material prices, while private investment ensures timely completion, job retention, and
long-term economic growth.

Project Schedule and Key Milestones and Dates

A detailed schedule of activities, including key milestones and dates, must accompany this application if applicable to the project.
The following phased 25-month schedule reflects design, site, and construction activities:
Phase 1: A/E Design (4 months, 9/1/2025–12/31/2025): Meister-Cox completes design, drawings,
and bid/permit set.
Key Milestone: shovel-ready documents.
Phase 2: Site Preparation (10 months, 1/1/2026–10/31/2026): Includes grading, utilities, E&S
controls, stormwater, stakeout, site lighting.
Key Milestone: fully prepared pad and utility-ready site turned over for vertical work.
Phase 3A: Pre-Construction (2 months, 11/1/2026–12/31/2026): L2i completes mobilization,
procurement/buyout, long-lead releases, detailed sequencing.
Key Milestone: crews/materials secured, and schedule locked.
Phase 3B: Warehouse Construction (9 months, 1/1/2027–9/30/2027): Foundations/slabs, tilt-up
panels, steel, roofing, envelope; MEP/FP, docks, interiors, paving, inspections.
Key Milestone: Substantial Completion/Occupancy by 9/30/2027.

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Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Addenda

1. Fill in your Itemization information.

Click the below link for a list of available itemizations. Identify the appropriate itemization and enter the Item No. in the
“primary” box below. The related information will then automatically populate. If an additional itemization is necessary,
enter a second Item No. in the “alternative” box. Special note: Act 77 of 2013 imposed a 10-year sunset provision for
itemizations between their enactment date and the date of the RACP grant award.

The Item No. can be found in Column A of this Excel spreadsheet link.

Primary
Enter Item#
9080

Year/Act# - 2017-052

County - Berks

Municipality - Berks County Industrial Development Authority

Project Description - Acquisition, infrastructure, construction and other related costs for
development of industrial park facilities

Act Amount - $10,000,000.00

Available Amount - $10,000,000.00

Alternative
Enter Item#

Year/Act# - N/A

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County - N/A

Municipality - N/A

Project Description - N/A

Act Amount - 0.00

Available Amount - 0.00

2. Financial Necessity.

What were the factors that the Candidate relied on to arrive at the requested amount?
The $10 million requested represents less than half of the $20,561,786 project cost, with the
balance committed by F.M. Brown’s Sons Inc. through private investment. This request was
determined after detailed cost projections for construction of the 120,000 sq. ft. warehouse, to
include A/E, site preparation, and infrastructure on the company’s currently owned 18.2-acre
property located at 435 Mountain Home Road, Sinking Spring, PA. Rising construction and
material costs make state partnership essential to advancing the project without overextending
company resources. The shared funding structure ensures both accountability and impact: the
company matches state support dollar-for-dollar, while the grant bridges the gap needed to deliver
a project that safeguards existing jobs, creates new growth capacity, and generates lasting
economic benefits for Berks County and the Commonwealth.

3. Are you looking to apply more than 30% of the RACP funding to a combination of acquisition
(land/property) and equipment costs?
No

4. Is at least 50% of the RACP total project cost to be paid by a non-state funding source(s)?
Yes

5. Does your project involve a housing component?

No

If yes, does the project generate economic activity and part of a revitalization plan?

6. Download and Complete RDAs & Construction Cost breakdown Document

Download RDA 300-301 and Construction Cost Breakdown [Link]

Uploaded Documents
RDAs [Link] View

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7. Qualified Professional

The Capital Facilities Debt Act requires a RACP grant recipient to identify who produced the cost estimates for their
project. It further requires that such project cost estimate must be prepared by a qualified professional.

Please identify who prepared the project’s cost estimate, and give their title and/or professional qualifications below
Construction: Estimate prepared by Michael Leffler, P.E., VP of L2i Construction, who holds a Civil
Engineering degree from Virginia Tech and brings 25+ years of general contracting experience. He
has managed complex industrial, commercial, and institutional projects, providing construction
management, technical expertise, and cost oversight. A/E: Estimate prepared by Meister-Cox
Architects, a firm with over five decades of experience in large-scale commercial and institutional
design. The firm employs advanced BIM technology for accurate cost modeling and has LEED-
accredited staff integrating sustainable design practices. These professionals provide proven
expertise, ensuring the project’s cost estimates are accurate, credible, and compliant with the
Capital Facilities Debt Act.

8. Confirmation that the Funding Recipient understands the RACP Compliance Requirements by uploading a
signed Statement of Compliance.
Download Statement of Compliance Acknowledgement for [Link]

Uploaded Documents
Statement Compliance [Link] View

9. Which of the following best describes your construction status?

b. Construction start date within 1 year

10. Has the bidding process started for your project?

No

Describe, in general, the bidding process the project utilized or intends to utilize to satisfy RACP bid
solicitation requirements.
L2i is the GC for the Building Berks’ Future: A Next-Generation Distribution Hub Project. The
project will follow a transparent and competitive bidding process in compliance with
Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) bid solicitation requirements. All construction
contracts will be publicly advertised to ensure equal opportunity for qualified contractors, with bid
notices detailing the project scope, submission deadlines, and evaluation criteria. Contractors will
be required to submit sealed bids, which will be opened and reviewed at a designated time to
maintain fairness and accountability. The bids will be evaluated based on responsiveness,
responsibility, and cost-effectiveness, with contracts awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in
accordance with RACP guidelines. All documents will be tracked and kept on file for audit and
compliance purposes. This process ensures compliance with state procurement standards while
achieving best value for the project.

11. Is your project eligible for City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) benefits?

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No

12. Additional Grantee / Applicant Information - Please include additional contacts including name, title,
organization, mailing address, email address, and phone number. It is recommended to include at least 2
monitored email addresses.
This section may contain personal contact information; therefore, all information supplied has
been withheld for personal privacy

13. Additional Sub-Grantee / Company Information - Please include additional contacts including name, title,
organization, mailing address, email address, and phone number. It is recommended to include at least 2
monitored email addresses.
This section may contain personal contact information; therefore, all information supplied has
been withheld for personal privacy

14. Please identify prior RACP grants awarded to the entity applying for the grant.
Provide the grant ME number (XXXX-XX), name of the project, award amount, and funding round.
F.M. Brown’s Sons Inc. has never received a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
grant. This application represents the company’s first request for state funding through RACP.

15. Other commonwealth Assistance

A. Have you or a related company received an economic benefit in the form of a grant, loan or tax credit from
a Commonwealth program within the last 2 years for this project?
No

If so, please provide details

B. Do you or a related company currently have an application for economic benefits in the form of a grant,
loan or tax credit pending with a Commonwealth program for this project?
No

If so, please provide details

C. Have you been in contact with the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) regarding this specific project?
No

If yes, please provide the name of the GAT staff member

16. Per Executive Order 2021-06, Worker Protection and Investment (October 21, 2021), all funding recipients
must certify compliance with this order by signing and uploading the attached form for contracting purposes.
Select yes stating you will comply with Executive Order 2021-06.

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Yes

Please Download, complete and upload the Worker Protection Form. Use the link below:
Download Worker Protection [Link]

Uploaded Documents
Worker Protection [Link] View

17. Upload any available community or legislative support letters.

Uploaded Documents
3 [Link] View

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Enterprise eGrants System

Web Application Id: 10512191 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228098
Applicant: Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BERKS IDA)
Company: F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Requirements

e-RACP Application Submission Fee

The program requires a $500 e-Application fee to be paid at the time of submission. Payment must be made online by
credit card through a secure, third-party vendor. Only MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted.

Applicants/Applicant Tab

Funding award notifications will be addressed to the entity identified under the Applicant Tab. Applicants should
ensure that any prospective grantee entity listed in the Applicant Tab will fully endorse the proposed project and act as
the eligible grantee. If this support is not available at the time of submission, the e-Application should be submitted
without a prospective grantee entity being listed. Please refer to the step-by-step instructions on the RACP website
when completing the Applicant and Company Tabs of the e-RACP application.

Please review the following program reminders and click the

acknowledgement:
To be RACP eligible, a project MUST have:
An eligible itemization line item.
Total project costs of at least $1 million which contains construction.
At least 50% of the RACP total project costs to be paid by a non-state funding source(s).
At least 50% of RACP eligible match expenses.
RACP Scope
If awarded, the RACP scope will be reviewed and possibly adjusted during the development of a grant agreement.
The RACP scope must include a construction component.
Combined Acquisition (Land/Property) and Equipment reimbursement cannot exceed 30% of the awarded amount
and must meet itemization line item eligibility.
The RACP scope is not officially approved until RDA forms are executed by the Office of the Budget.
Grant compliance requirements include, but are not limited to:
Competitive bidding requirements (3 written solicitations).
Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act.
Steel Products Procurement Act.
Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law (payment & performance bonds).
Insurance (worker’s comp, general liability, & property).
By selecting yes, you are acknowledging the above. Then click continue.

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Yes

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Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic

Development
Enterprise eGrants System

Enterprise eGrants System #: 202509228098

This page must accompany all required supplemental information Mail to:

PLEASE NOTE:
RACP applicants do not need to print and
mail hard copies of the e-Application.

I hereby certify that all information contained in the single application and supporting materials submitted to DCED via
the Internet, Single Application # 202509228098 and its attachments are true and correct and accurately represent the
status and economic condition of the Applicant, and I also certify that, if applying on behalf of the applicant, I have
verified with an authorized representative of the Applicant that such information is true and correct and accurately
represents the status and economic condition of the Applicant. I also understand that if I knowingly make a false
statement or overvalue a security to obtain a grant and/or loan from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I may be
subject to criminal prosecution in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities) and
31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 and 3802 (relating to false claims and statements).

Signature: JENIFER BOWDEN

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development reserves the right to accept or reject any or
all applications submitted on the Enterprise eGrants System for Assistance contingent upon available funding sources
and respective applicant eligibility.

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