J.G. Petrucci Company Inc. is developing a new facility for EcoTech Marine at Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII. (photo courtesy J.G. Petrucci)

A Lehigh Valley-based designer and manufacturer of high-quality aquarium equipment will be leasing new space in Bethlehem, a move that will help the company grow and expand its footprint in the Northeastern United States.

EcoTech Marine, which began as a startup company at Bethlehem’s Lehigh University in 2003, will be leasing 88,007 square-feet in the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII. Construction on the state-of-the-art began in the fall of 2019 and is slated for completion by Q4 2020.

The new facility will help streamline the manufacturing process of EcoTech Marine’s technology to meet their increasing product demand, according to Patrick Clasen, Director of Finance with the company.

“EcoTech Marine is a real Lehigh Valley economic success story,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC).

“Its founding here out of Lehigh University is an example of the region’s support of innovation, and its continued growth in the market represents our first-class manufacturing assets,” Cunningham said. “We are grateful that the Lehigh Valley has helped to make possible each chapter of EcoTech’s continued growth and success.”

Now in its second decade, EcoTech Marine continues to expand their developing efforts to provide meticulously engineered products to help create a healthy, safe, and smart aquarium ecosystem.

Tested and endorsed by marine-biologists, their products offer a wide range of user-friendly program modes and applications, making them the most versatile and proven products on the market.

“EcoTech Marine’s return to the city of Bethlehem has been a long-term objective of LVIP,” said LVIP President Kerry Wrobel. “EcoTech, a small, advanced technology manufacturer, with a highly trained workforce, is the standard for businesses we’re targeting for our business centers, and we are thrilled to have them join LVIP.”

The 50,290 square-foot development and design/build construction project features a 27,659 square foot warehouse with 32-feet ceiling clear height, and a 20,116 square-foot two- story office space.

The open concept will feature a conference room, break room, research & development area, and specialized manufacturing space, according to J.G. Petrucci Company Inc., the developer of the project and the owner and operator of the new facility.

“The team at J.G. Petrucci has been incredible,” Clasen said. “Their expertise and local knowledge create a potent and effective mixture that saved us time and money.”

The project came to fruition with the support of the city of Bethlehem, Petrucci, LVEDC, and the LVIP executive teams.

“We are excited that EcoTech Marine, which started at Lehigh University and launched in Bethlehem, is coming home,” said Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez. “The city is extremely focused on supporting innovative startup companies through programs like our Keystone Innovation Zone and EcoTech serves as the marquee example to other entrepreneurs looking to achieve success.”

The project was designed by Cerminara Architect. The civil engineer was Gilmore & Associates. Construction work will be done by J.G. Petrucci’s in-house construction firm, Iron Hill Construction Management, which is based in Bethlehem.