Diamond Drug Inc., the nation’s largest correctional pharmacy provider and Pennsylvania’s largest independently owned long-term care pharmacy, has purchased the former Reading Kubota building off Route 61 in Ontelaunee Township.
JK&B Inc., Myerstown, Lebanon County, sold the property at 7 Cherry St. to Diamond Drugs for $1.25 million, according to Berks County recorder of deeds. The approximately 20,000-square-foot facility is on about 4 acres.
Reading Tractor and Equipment, formerly Reading Kubota, moved in September to a new facility nearby along Route 61. It shares the facility with Lift Inc.
Based in Indiana, Indiana County, Diamond Drug operates a 135,000-square-foot institutional pharmacy, an IV infusion facility, two retail pharmacies and a medical supply division, according to its website. The company provides pharmacy services to more than 500,000 inmates in more than 900 facilities across 44 states.
Company officials did not return a call Thursday.
Diamond has been leasing a facility for a satellite pharmacy on Corporate Drive in Bern Township.
Aldi won’t reopen Berks Bottom Dollar stores
Aldi completed its purchase of 66 former Bottom Dollar stores from Delhaize Group, the company announced Friday.
It released a list of stores it intends to reopen as Aldi stores. The two in Berks County, in Reading and Exeter Township, were not on the list.
Instead, Aldi said those sites will be evaluated for sale, sublease or assignment.
Radius Toothbrush gets Ben Franklin grant
Radius Toothbrush, Kutztown, received an $18,500 investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Berks County company was one of seven in the region to receive established manufacturer funding, which is matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based manufacturing innovation.
Lehigh University’s Enterprise Business Systems Center is Radius’ university partner.
The funding is for a complete facility assessment and planning to accommodate future growth to allow Radius to streamline manufacturing and increase productivity.
Radius makes high-performance, ergonomic toothbrushes and travel cases.
The funding was part of $316,000 in regional economic development loans and grants announced by Ben Franklin’s board of directors.
Dressbarn reopens at Broadcasting Square
The dressbarn store at Broadcasting Square Shopping Center, Spring Township, has reopened after extensive renovations to give the store an update look and feel.
The retailer is giving away a free tote bag with purchase while supplies last. A division of Ascena Retail Group Inc., dressbarn is a specialty chain of more than 850 stores featuring women’s casual, career and special occasion apparel in sizes 4-24.