Burkholder’s acquires Bethlehem HVAC company

Listen to this article

Bob Burkholder, owner of Burkholder’s, said he has been working on growing his business organically through acquisition and approached Lande Heating and Air Conditioning.

“I’ve known the owner, Greg Stanke, for about 20 years. He has a great reputation,” Burkholder said.

As it turned out, Stanke and his wife Gail were looking at an exit plan for the business they had been running for more than 25 years. They were seeking an opportunity to ensure staff and clients would be left in good hands.

The takeover by Burkholder seemed like a good fit, Bob Burkholder said.

Gail will be retiring, but Greg will stay on as a member of the Burkholder sales team for at least the next few years, Burkholder said.

“This acquisition gives our company a chance to continue the growth we have enjoyed for more than a decade now, while retaining the local leadership that keeps us closest to our customers,” Burkholder said.

The deal was finalized Nov. 17. Lande employees were notified this morning.

Burkholder’s has 75 employees. Burkholder said Lande has about 10 employees and his company plans to extend an employment offer to all of them.

That way, he said, Lande customers will still be serviced by the same people they’ve come to know.

The acquisition was for the business and did not include real estate.

Lande employees will work out of Burkholder’s Emmaus office.