Japan Express moves facility to Kessel's Northvale facility.

Japan Express America, Inc., an international moving company, has leased 14,500 square feet at 234 Pegasus Avenue in Northvale, New Jersey, announced Jeffrey A. Kessel, owner/developer. The remaining space in the 52,000-square-foot building located near Exit 5 of the Palisades Interstate Parkway is occupied by Pavailler U.S.A., a leading manufacturer and importer of European bakery equipment. A 21,000-square-foot building on the same property is leased long-term to Directrix.

Founded in 1989, Japan Express America, Inc. specializes in relocating Japanese companies and executives between Japan and America. The Northvale facility will become the growing company's new U.S. headquarters. The parent company of Japan Express is located in Japan.

Japan Express launched an extensive search for a new headquarters that led to Kessel Associates' Northvale property. Minoru Wada, executive vice president of Japan Express, described the space as "almost perfect" for the company's needs. "In addition to projecting a professional image, the building is clean and quiet," explained Wada. "Plus, it offers excellent access to major roads, which is key for expediting shipping and receiving."

Northvale's proximity to major thoroughfares such as the Palisades Interstate Parkway, New York State Thruway and the Tappan Zee and George Washington Bridges is also what attracted Pavailler to the commercial office/warehouse building. "Like Japan Express, their business is highly-dependent on distribution," explained Kessel, who modified the 20-year-old facility to accommodate two tenants when Pavailler leased 37,500 square feet this spring.

Although originally designed and constructed with two separate entrances, two rear-loading docks and sufficient parking on both ends, the building had only housed a single tenant until this year. Kessel Associates created two completely self-contained units by erecting a full-height demising wall and establishing separate utilities for both spaces.

"Both Japan Express and Pavailler have round-the-clock access to their own properties and complete control over their heating and air conditioning," noted Kessel.

Other enhancements made to the property include painting of the building's exterior, extensive landscaping with new shrubbery, resurfacing and relining of the parking area and new electric service.

Japan Express will house administrative personnel in 1,800 square feet of newly renovated office space. The company will use the balance of its space, 12,700 square feet, for warehousing, storage and distribution of packages coming from and going to Japan.