A real estate investment company that transformed the former National Lead research and development site into a thriving commercial property, as well as a pharmaceutical company whose expansion added 60 jobs, were among the four recipients of East Windsor Township’s 2018 business awards.
The honorees – Exeter Property Group, Hovione, Berkshire Bank and Shiseido America – were praised by East Windsor Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov for their contributions to East Windsor Township.
The Exeter Property Group, which redeveloped the former National Lead site on Wyckoff Mills Road, earned the Community Enhancement award. The award recognizes businesses that provide an added community value, such as extraordinary job creation or positive promotion of the township.
The buildings on the former National Lead site were demolished and a 634,000-square-foot commercial building was constructed in their place. Modway Furniture, which is a major distributor of furniture and office furnishings, occupies the building and added 150 new jobs.
“Exeter Property Group transformed a longtime eyesore into a sizable modern and attractive commercial ratable that is visible from the New Jersey Turnpike,” Mayor Mironov said. The new building, which has been added to the township’s ratable base, generates significant annual revenue for the benefit of taxpayers, she said.
Hovione, which is a Portugal-based pharmaceutical company, was honored for its special contributions as a good neighbor and for its commitment to East Windsor Township. The company completed a major expansion, doubling the size of its facility with a 28,000-square-foot addition and 60 new jobs.
Hovione is a sponsor of the East Windsor Township community summer events series of concerts, as well as the township’s East egg hunt and its Independence Day/Fourth of July celebration. It also has donated money to support special events and programs at the East Windsor Senior Center.
“Hovione has maintained open, positive communication with residents and has invited them to tour their facility and share information about their operations,” Mayor Mironov said. The company also supports community programs and activities in the township, she said.
Berkshire Bank, which has a branch at 18 Princeton-Hightstown Road, was acknowledged for its special community contributions and service. Through the Berkshire Bank Foundation, it supports the East Windsor Township community summer events series of concerts, the Easter egg hunt and the Independence Day/Fourth of July celebration.
Bank employees have volunteered at RISE’s thrift store and for the Better Beginnings Child Development Center’s Shining Star Gala fundraiser. The bank also provides financial education and counseling at the East Windsor Senior Center.
“Berkshire Bank has been an outstanding corporate citizen that is always ready to step up and lend its support for numerous community programs and activities,” Mayor Mironov said.
Shiseido America, which is a global skin care and cosmetics company based in Japan, received an award for its green and sustainable practices. Its East Windsor Township facility employs 800 people.
Shiseido America has installed rooftop and ground-based solar arrays, among other sustainable measures. The company sponsors the township’s annual Earth Day recycling poster contest for elementary school students, and employees have donated and planted flowers and shrubs at the East Windsor Senior Center for the past 10 years.
“Shiseido’s commitment to environmental sustainability has earned the company numerous recognitions and awards. It has reduced its operating costs, reaping benefits for the community and the environment,” Mayor Mironov said.
