More efficient for the present, more promising for the future.

That's why a Trenton, N.J.-based seamless gutter supplier is spending $1.2 million to open a branch in Lancaster County.

Central Aluminum Supply is developing the branch at 220 Harvey Road, Landisville, in a 10,600-square-foot warehouse that most recently was used to house a private classic-car collection.

"We have a lot of customers in the area that we now service by truck (from Trenton). It made a lot of sense to serve our customers from that location instead," said partner Pete McElvogue.

Having a branch in the county — making Central Aluminum the only company of its kind to have a location here — also should make it easier for the firm to attract new customers, he added.

Central Aluminum, established by McElvogue and partner Louis Lelli in 2004 — sells and services machinery used by contractors to fabricate gutters at the job site.

It also sells the coiled gutter that contractors fabricate, as well as related parts (elbows, downspouts, endcaps, hangers etc.).

The gutter, which comes in 25 colors, is used on residential, commercial and historic properties.

The Landisville site is expected to open by May 11 with four employees. Its staff could reach six to eight in a year, said McElvogue.

Central Aluminum has agreed to lease the building for two months from the estate of Columbus "Chris" Sacco, then purchase the structure on June 30 for $560,000.

Handling the transaction are Christine Sable of Horst Realty and Don Henry of Business Marketing Works.

Sacco, who founded metal fabricator Herr & Sacco in 1949, died in January 2008 at age 94. He had used the warehouse, once home to Rivard Popcorn, as a workshop where he restored and kept 11 classic cars.

Central Aluminum's acquisition of the property, plus the cost of equipment, vehicles and inventory for the location, make the venture a $1.2 million project, said McElvogue.

To help finance the undertaking, Central Aluminum is obtaining a $224,000 Small Business Administration loan through the Economic Development Co., he said.

Staff writer Tim Mekeel can be reached at tmekeel@LNPnews.com or 481-6030.