Lehigh Vally: One is Alpha's largest taxpayer, ex

Lehigh Vally:
One is Alpha's largest taxpayer, expanding thanks to strengthening U.S. manufacturing.
The other is billed as the world's first fully molecular hydrogen-powered facility, producing environmentally friendly beverages with zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Both of these projects are in Alpha Industrial Park, just off Exit 3 of Interstate 78 in the Warren County borough.
"The Industrial Park since the borough started developing that in the late '50s has been, is, an important part of our tax base in the borough, obviously, and also a job producer for us," Alpha Mayor Craig Dunwell said.
Bihler of America Inc., 85 Industrial Drive, is looking to build a third manufacturing facility, slightly smaller than the existing two, production manager Billy Daniels said.
"We're going to build a 100,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the two we have now," he said.
Bihler is scheduled to go before the Alpha Land Use Board on Wednesday for approval. The proposal before the board is for development of a light industrial/manufacturing/warehouse building with access drives, parking, loading docks, utilities, improvements to Industrial Drive and a stormwater management system, including a retention basin.
"We hope to be in there by 2019, end of 2018, beginning of 2019," Daniels said, declining to say how much the projected investment will cost.
Latest investment
Dunwell said Bihler, Alpha's largest taxpayer, has a solid record of investing in its borough property. Around 2010, Bihler added ground- and roof-mounted solar panels to power its production.
"Again it's a vote of confidence in the borough that it's a place they want to do business," Dunwell said of the expansion plan.
Alpha has reciprocated, Dunwell said, including repaving Industrial Drive in 2013 and investing in $4.5 million in water infrastructure borough-wide over the last seven years, plus $1.5 million in sewer collection system upgrades.

The borough is seeking New Jersey Department of Transportation grant funding to reconfigure the acute-angled intersection of Industrial Drive and New Brunswick Avenue (Route 122), and to add a second access road into park, from Edge Road. Having one access road poses a a public safety issue if emergency responders can't get down Industrial Drive, Dunwell said.
60 new positions projected
Bihler specializes in metal stamping and assembly for the medical and construction industries, according to Daniels. Fueling the expansion is an increase in orders, and U.S. manufacturing on the rise, he said.
Daniels said he hopes to run the new facility around the clock, in addition to existing lines that employ three shifts. He expects the expansion to create 60 new positions.
"We're always looking for good people," he said. "We're always looking for experienced machine operators, electricians, maintenance folks."

Alpha officials gave final approval in December to the other Industrial Park project: Bev-Graph Packaging International LLC, which produces its trademarked Kokomo line of spring water-based drinks.
The 100,000-square-foot facility is planned on the former Vargo Bros. Farms along New Brunswick Avenue between Edge Road and Industrial Drive.
It's a groundbreaking facility that will produce "enhanced" beverages using proprietary technology, said Bud Phillips, managing member.
"The company will be breaking ground in Alpha, N.J., this spring 2018 with a target date to be in operation by fall 2018," he said in a statement. "Alpha has welcomed and supported our 'green sustainable manufacturing' project and not only to the benefit of the borough; but our newest technology will impact the region and eventually the entire country."
Kokomo's innovation starts with its power source. According to Dunwell, the facility will use roof- and ground-mounted solar during the day that will also feed power into hydrogen (H2) cells.
"Essentially the hydrogen will act as a battery," he said. "They'll be storing energy in the chemical bonds of the hydrogen molecule."

According to land use board minutes on Bev-Graph testimony from Jack Mosel, an expert in hydrogen production technology and partner in the project, the facility marks the "first time in the world this process will be utilized, citing it's the latest technology in the world, coming to Alpha Borough."
"Produced and consumed onsite, Mr. Mosel reiterated that this would be the world's first fully sustained generator producing its own fuel and own power without any emissions," the minutes state.
The molecular hydrogen, an odorless gas, is to be stored in 40-foot-long containers. The equipment is designed to adhere to the National Fire Protection Code, Mosel testified, and is "the safest fuel."
"Mosel stated that there will be sensors to detect any leaks. If any leakage occurs, the system shuts down automatically, adding that it is the same technology running the International Space Station," the minutes continue.
Hydrogen-infused beverages
Bev-Graph plans to produce spring water-based products with "proprietary H2 and other scientific formulations which are then filled in eco-friendly recyclable soft packaging or recyclable/biodegradable-aluminum," instead of traditional plastic bottles, Phillips stated.
"All products are fully processed in a 'total' carbon-free, sustainable 'green' manufacturing environment." he continued. "The 'green solar' power system is augmented by a 'green' H2 energy system.

"Additionally, (the) plant will offer the most advanced digital print technology which will allow creative variable package messaging in multiple languages as part of its facility.
The driving forces behind the 'Green Love' business model includes multiple years of business development and an extraordinary team of highly experienced principles along with other strategic partnerships on a national level."
Phillips said he expects to employ up to 50 people over the company's "ramp-up period," with high-tech jobs and general manufacturing opportunities.
"It's all going to be regional hiring first," Phillips said.