Expansion Project News

Schaedler Yesco Expansion Project Helps Provide Valuable Learning Opportunity

Our central distribution expansion project, which will help us keep up with demand and offer the best solutions for current and new customers once finished, continues to progress as scheduled. The facility will measure 200,000 square feet and include 3,000 new pallet storage locations, eight new dock doors, and 6000 square feet for additional receiving once complete. 

The expansion project is also benefiting the community. JEM Group (our construction partner) invited Construction Engineering students from Penn State Harrisburg to the site, and we were excited to help give a tour. 

“Having the opportunity to meet with students to help them see real time applications of the topics that they cover in their curriculum is paramount.”  Adam Smith, Senior Project Manager at JEM Group, stated. “Most students do not get the opportunity to see field applications until they are out of college. We appreciate that Schaedler Yesco would allow us to highlight their project for this semester’s site visit.  This visit helps them understand more of the ‘why’ behind buildings.  At JEM Group, our mission is ‘We Build to Improve Lives’ and we’re helping these students understand that construction is more than just building things, it’s about improving the world around us for others. Being able to have the students see what impact Schaedler Yesco has on the community with the amount of staff they employ helps to highlight this mission.”

The two-hour session led by Adam Smith, explained safety, site logistics, constructability, scheduling, and more to students, along with a tour of the construction site. Dean Krout, our Vice President of Operations, also spoke with students about the importance of expanding Schaedler Yesco, gave background on the company, and a quick tour of our current distribution center. 

"One of the challenges is to keep students interested, especially during COVID when they are doing remote learning," Dr. Joe Seidel, an assistant teaching professor at Penn State Harrisburg, commented. "So yeah, it was amazing to come out and see the beginning of the building pad and the foundations being laid. It was good for the students to see live construction to keep up the excitement for their future careers."

For many students, this was their first time seeing a live construction project. We know how invaluable getting hands on experience is and were happy to be able to give this learning opportunity to future construction industry workers.

"This was my first time on a commercial site," Justin Means, a senior at Penn State Harrisburg commented, "I know we are still in the beginning stages here, but it's cool to see how they are laying the rebar and laying the concrete. It was a fun experience, and I really enjoyed it."

We emphasize the importance of working hard and giving back. We are proud to provide educational opportunities to both employees and the local community whenever possible.

You can read more about our expansion project here and about our training opportunities here.