Courtesy of Munter Enterprises
Staff Writer
Munter Enterprises, based in Middle Grove, is a leading family-owned general contractor offering commercial, industrial, design-build, and project delivery services throughout the Capital Region.
Several large commercial and industrial projects are underway and progressing toward completion this year. One notable project is for Equal Vision Records, an independent record label based in Albany, New York, and MerchNow, their sister company, which produces wearables and promotional branded merchandise for bands and artists.
The recently purchased building is in Albany’s South End at 400 South Pearl St., where Munter Enterprises is implementing improvements to bring the building into code compliance for storage and racking requirements. The project includes interior modifications to the production and warehouse areas, as well as minor renovations of the office space. A unique aspect of the project is the addition of a 20×40 boiler room designed to house modern steam boilers essential for the production of vinyl records, which have seen a resurgence in popularity over the last decade.
“I may be dating myself but I didn’t realize how the ‘record’ industry has rebounded and its actually very cool to understand what goes into to physically making a vinyl album,” said Michael Munter, vice president of Munter Enterprises.
“On a larger scale, we’re nearing the finish line on the Soleno project. They’ll be in full production by late August,” said Munter.
The Soleno project, a new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing building on a 22-acre site in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs, is the first U.S. facility for the Canadian manufacturer of drainage pipes designed for storm water infrastructure management. According to a Soleno spokesperson, the new facility will provide 35-50 new jobs when in full production.
Production equipment is now being installed by Soleno’s German manufacturer, while we are finishing up the building production space, fit, and finishes,” said Munter.
Just across the street from Soleno, AgroChem’s success is evident as they recently broke ground for their second expansion of 30,000 square feet in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park. AgroChem develops, manufactures, and distributes sanitizing products worldwide for the farm and dairy industry. The company built a 40,000-square-foot facility just eight years ago, also designed and constructed by Munter Enterprises. The current expansion will provide new space for finished product warehousing and a tote wash process essential for recycling and effectively cleaning their large, re-usable product containers.
“Steel is in place, and we expect completion this fall,” said Munter.
Another project just underway is for Environment One, a Niskayuna-based manufacturer of pressure sewer systems and utility systems. Munter Enterprises is completing Phase 1, a 27,000-square-foot building.
“Phase 2 includes utility upgrades and an 8,000-square-foot shipping dock expansion,” said Munter. “If all goes as expected, this expansion will be done by year end.” E/One ships their products worldwide.
While most recognized for their large commercial and industrial projects, Munter Enterprises has several smaller-scale new construction, renovation, and fit-up jobs in progress.
“We’re not just steel building guys. We do enjoy more intricate projects utilizing anything from wood and timber to advanced synthetic materials,” said Munter.
42 Phila Street is undergoing a 2,000-square-foot renovation for a new restaurant concept for the owners of Hamlet and Ghost. Under construction and slated for completion in September is a 1,500-square-foot fitness center for the Waters Edge/Woodlands Homeowners Association on Saratoga Lake, which required special logistics to get materials in place at the site.
“Because the site had a large clubhouse, tennis building, swimming pool, and outdoor tennis courts all tightly spaced, there was no direct access or laydown area at the fitness center site. So concrete was pumped and all materials were lifted over the existing buildings- due to a restricted laydown area, even the steel building had to be picked right off the truck by crane and set directly onto the foundation anchor bolts,” said Munter.
Starting in September, Ballston Spa Country Club has a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse and restaurant project, with completion next year in time for the 2025 golf season.
Like most general contractors, increasing the skilled trades workforce continues to be a challenge. Munter Enterprises has 40 full-time employees and, since 1972, has never had any layoffs. They utilize subcontractors for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and specialty trades.
“It’s encouraging to see more young people becoming interested in pursuing jobs in the trades. Locally, the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition efforts, along with BOCES, local schools and media, are renewing interest in employment opportunities in the trades,” said Munter.