KITTANNING - The Bauer Co., Inc, better known locally as Bauer Block, is leaving town. There's no need for concern, however, it's not moving far.
By June the cement block manufacturer plans to be churning out a variety of cement blocks in its new 16-acre manufacturing facility located just off Route 422 on Ruth Hill Road about one mile west of Worthington.
"With the new machinery in this plant we'll make twice as many block as we do now in Kittanning," said plant superintendent Terry Bellas, "Presently we turn out about 30 blocks per hour but with the new machinery being installed in this plant we'll turn out 60 per minute or about 3,600 an hour."
The new plant and new machinery are a joint venture of Besser/Devere, of Alpina, Mich. Devere owner, Mike Crittendon, said his company works with the Besser Corp. to sell block making machinery worldwide but specializes in designing and constructing buildings to house the machinery to allow maximum production. Crittendon said 14 local contractors were hired to construct the new building, kilns and storage areas. Construction includes 17,000 plus square feet of kiln area.
According to Jim Held, Bauer's general manager, production is only one reason for the company's move.
"While our block making machines are fairly new, our kilns are outdated," Held said. "We also plan to make new products and there's no room for expansion at our present facility. Our new plant will be three times as large. Once we're in operation, hopefully by the first of June, we plan to offer retaining walls and a variety of architectural blocks."
Held said currently the company offers 150 different block styles.
Bauer Block will begin test productions at the Ruth Hill Road plant starting next month. Once the move is complete, customers will pick up orders from a concrete parking lot adjacent to the 32,000 square feet production building. Held anticipates the larger pick up area will expedite customer service for both professional contractors and individuals.
