On September 27, 2012, Dandrea Realty LLC, in cooperation with the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD Corp.) celebrated a building dedication and ribbon cutting event for the new Blair Candy facility located at 3421 Beale Avenue in Altoona, Blair County, PA. This family owned company has been a vital part of the business community since 1939 which is currently managed by its third generation and is proud to continue their operations in the county.
Blair Candy is a wholesale distributor of candy, tobacco, cigarettes, paper products, butcher supplies, restaurant supplies, bingo supplies, games of chance, janitorial supplies, and miscellaneous merchandise. The company serves customers within a one hundred mile radius of Altoona, and has further expanded its market areas through the launch of its internet website. Blaircandy.com was created in 2000 and now has grown into one of the premiere candy websites online.
Blair Candy had been located at 1215 7th Avenue since 1960. In 2011 Dandrea Realty LLC purchased the former Imler’s Poultry building located at 3421 Beale Avenue and made major renovations to the building. The total project cost was in excess of $2.4 million and was financed by First Commonwealth Bank, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, ABCD Corp.’s Enterprise Zone Revolving Loan Fund, and company equity.
According to Pat Dandrea, “The new building should greatly improve Blair Candy’s efficiency and provide for new and expanded opportunities. The additional space will allow Blair Candy to increase its product selection, take advantage of volume purchasing, and expand its bulk candy and gift basket processing operations.” The project will help Blair Candy retain its existing 37 employees.
“Warehousing, distribution and logistics are key industry sectors here in Blair County and throughout the I-99 Corridor,” stated Steve Foreman, ABCD Corp.’s Board Chairman. “ABCD Corp.’s assistance with the project helps enable one of our key distributors to operate more efficiently in a highly competitive business environment and keep employment opportunities here in Blair County.”
