2010 marks the 90th anniversary of JE Berkowitz, LP and our 3rd year at our new headquarters in Pedricktown, NJ. The world-class plant and offices were designed by Margulies Hoelzli Architecture of New York City, engineered by the Thornton-Tomasetti Group and constructed by Norwood Construction Management of Allentown, PA. The building’s layout incorporates some of the best practices found in the major glass fabrication plants throughout Europe. JE Berkowitz, LP executives traveled extensively to these sites to gain knowledge for its planned expansion. The total investment in construction, land and new equipment was approximately $25 million.
Founded by Jacob E. Berkowitz, the company manufactured mirrors for furniture, department and variety stores from its first plant in the city of Philadelphia.
From our beginnings, JE Berkowitz, LP became the largest silvering plant in the city and, by 1940, had outgrown its facilities and moved to Philadelphia's waterfront district. Greater space allowed for expansion of the beveling and silvering operations.
In 1950, Jacob's son, Edwin J. Berkowitz, joined the business. Soon after the company made a decision to remove the beveling and silvering departments and to concentrate on the distribution of mirror products. The company was successful in pursuing government contracts with both the Army and Navy. Later, a line of recessed sliding mirror medicine cabinets was developed for many of the Northeast's leading homebuilders and apartment developers.
In 1970, the company relocated for a third time to Westville, New Jersey. The original 41,000 square foot building contained an overhead bridge crane, which facilitated the distribution of flat glass to glass shops and glazing contractors. Sliding mirror doors and stainless steel framed mirrors were added shortly thereafter in a second building. In the mid-1970's, the third generation, Arthur M. Berkowitz, joined the company. He assumed the presidency of JE Berkowitz, LP some ten years later in the mid-1980's.
1980's-to the present the company experienced substantial growth, resulting in a new move to our current Pedricktown headquarters, with a total floor space of over 200,000 square feet. In addition to distribution and fabrication of insulating glass units and tempering glass, the company expanded its capabilities to include the fabrication of lead-free ceramic frit spandrel glass and JEB Fusion Laminated Glass, assembly of All Glass Entrances, Canopies, Point Supported Glass Systems and Heat Soaking capabilities.
JE Berkowitz, LP has actively participated in the various trade associations, including the Glass Association of North America, the Insulating Glass Certification Council, and the National Glass Association, and has maintained a leading position in the after-fabrication and distribution markets. We are thankful for our growth throughout the years and look toward the future with confidence for new challenges and opportunities in the glass industry. ISO 9001-2008 certification reaffirms our commitment to providing our customers with the excellent service they deserve.