Fire protection firm buys 20,000 sq. ft. Somerset facility from PepsiCo

NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. brokers deal for Approved Fire Protection's new regional hub

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a polished, geometric fire extinguisher and a set of keys, conceptually representing the acquisition of an industrial property by a fire protection firm.The acquisition of a former PepsiCo facility in Somerset, New Jersey, provides Approved Fire Protection with a strategic location and infrastructure to support its continued regional growth.Somerset Today

Approved Fire Protection, a life safety business, has acquired a more than 20,000-square-foot industrial building in the Somerset section of Franklin, New Jersey. The former PepsiCo Inc. and Frito Lay facility will now serve as a regional distribution and service hub for the family-owned company, which has a client base stretching throughout the Northeast and as far west as Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

The acquisition allows Approved Fire Protection to expand its regional footprint and better serve its growing customer base across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and other nearby markets. The property's strategic location and infrastructure provide the company with the connectivity and capacity needed to support its 90-year legacy of service.

The details

The 20,269-square-foot industrial facility at 85 Commerce Drive features 19-foot clear ceilings, ample parking, and loading capacity suited for regional distribution and service. NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. represented the buyer, Approved Fire Protection, in the undisclosed transaction, highlighting the property's easy access to major transportation corridors like Interstate 287, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Interstate 78.

  • Approved Fire Protection acquired the property in March 2026.

The players

Approved Fire Protection

A family-owned life safety business that provides fire protection services throughout the Northeast and as far west as Pittsburgh.

NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.

A commercial real estate brokerage firm that represented Approved Fire Protection in the acquisition of the Somerset property.

PepsiCo Inc.

The previous owner of the 20,269-square-foot industrial facility in Somerset, New Jersey.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Representing the buyer in this transaction, the NAIDB team successfully navigated Approved Fire Protection's specific requirements. As a result, we were able to secure a property that offers unparalleled access to key regional arteries, including I-287, the New Jersey Turnpike, I-78 and the Goethals Bridge. This level of connectivity provides the supportive infrastructure critical to a multigenerational family business that is continuing to grow its 90-year legacy of regional service.”

— Kyle Gerace, Vice President, NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.

“Working with Approved Fire Protection was a great experience. The Somerset location provides the company with strong access to its customers across New Jersey while maintaining a presence in one of Central Jersey's established industrial markets. It's a property that supports the company's continued growth while keeping them well connected to the communities they serve.”

— Chris Chiusolo, Vice President, NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.

What’s next

Approved Fire Protection plans to begin operations at the new Somerset facility in the coming months, leveraging the property's strategic location and infrastructure to better serve its growing customer base across the Northeast.

The takeaway

This acquisition demonstrates how family-owned businesses can strategically expand their regional footprint by securing well-connected industrial properties that support their long-term growth and community-focused service model.