Work continues on massive beverage distribution warehouse in Salem

On paper, 300,000 square feet already seems like a pretty big number.

But seeing it take shape really drives home just how large the new beer and soda distribution warehouse for the Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Co. will be.

Work began over the summer on the distribution center, off of Boquet Road at the northern end of the Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass in Salem Township.

“There are approximately 1,000 tons of structural steel and 66,000 cubic yards of concrete going into the building,” said Jake Wrigley, chief financial officer for Fuhrer. “There were some minor supply-chain issues in procuring materials, which led to slight timeline delays, however Arco, the builder, is working diligently to have the roof completed before winter.”

Wrigley said the project’s cost rose about 15% over what Fuhrer officials estimated in 2021.

Fuhrer Wholesale primarily services Southwestern Pennsylvania, distributing soda and beer ranging from national brands such as Bud Light to local craft beer such as Westmoreland’s Helltown Brewing.

Fuhrer told Salem commissioners the building eventually will employ about 110 people. The company made the decision to expand after running out of space at its 370,000-square-foot facility on Pittsburgh’s South Side.

Wrigley said he hopes it will be operational in the fall of 2023, and when complete it will nearly double the company’s capacity.

Access to the future building will be from Boquet Road, with trucks exiting only onto Old Route 66, according to township officials.