BETHLEHEM, PA – Within the overall transformation category of GlobeSt.com's 2019 ADAPT awards, The Factory in Bethlehem, PA was acknowledged as the winner for most innovative rebranding of a historic facility. The project was honored at our awards ceremony earlier this week in Baltimore. The former Bethlehem Steel Corporation building served as a mill in Bethlehem, PA during World War II. Recognizing the potential for the 40,000-square-foot space located in the historic South Bethlehem corridor, developer, J.G. Petrucci Company, partnered with former Freshpet Inc. CEO, Richard Thompson to redevelop and revitalize the facility for an innovative business concept. The teams set out to create a space catered to housing up-and-coming entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in the food, beverage and pet health industries. The Factory would provide qualifying partners with resources, equipment, professional services and an optimal environment needed to succeed in their respective fields. The custom-built innovation center would offer collaborative space, allowing businesses the ability to "scale-up" and build value, while receiving equity stakes in the respective companies. In order to launch the revitalization efforts, the development team received $200,000 in state tax credits and partnered with local universities and nearby high school art students for food focus groups and food testing within The Factory. Throughout the project the teams focused on preserving the building's history and character, while creating a desirable center for the community and businesses. A strategic plan was crafted to leverage the building in order to house all of its required resources and staff to successfully support emerging companies' growth. The renovations included constructing a state-of-the-art, commercial kitchen, equipped with high-quality video production capabilities, as well as food safety areas. The restoration utilized repurposed shipping containers for The Factory's office spaces and conference rooms. In an effort to marry innovative design and historic aspects, the development team also paid tribute to the building's past by replicating the steel factory's historic window style and preserving an original Bethlehem Steel crane as part of its facility. The Factory currently houses a team of 31 staff professionals in its transformed facility, offering collaboration with the region's community members, top colleges and experts. The Factory offers services in development, design, packaging, digital communications, logistics, food science, finance, legal, marketing and more. The Factory's innovative rebranding continues to spur further innovation and inspiration in the area, working to ensure exciting visions become realities.