Bethel to transfer part of New Jersey operations to Barceloneta

Bethel Protective Systems’ move to Barceloneta involves an $8 million investment that is expected to create 400 jobs over the next two years. The plant will design, manufacture and produce military and commercial uniforms, as well as protective products, primarily for federal defense and security agencies.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, along with Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard, announced Monday that the textile company Bethel Protective Systems LLC will transfer part of its operations from New Jersey to the Palmas Altas Industrial Park in Barceloneta.

The move involves an $8 million investment that is expected to create 400 jobs over the next two years. The manufacturing plant will design, manufacture and produce military and commercial uniforms, as well as protective products, primarily for federal defense and security agencies.

“The military clothing manufacturing sector is strategically important given our nation’s military landscape and policy. Puerto Rico has decades of experience in textile and military manufacturing, establishing a reputation for reliable quality and contract fulfillment,” the governor said. “This investment will help diversify the island’s industrial base, generate jobs, and position us as a strategic center for textile manufacturing -- all while bearing the ‘Made in USA’ seal.”

González Colón added that “this investment stems from our administration’s proactive approach: Bethel spent six years searching for a location to expand its operations, and through our Executive Concierge service and the reshoring strategy established in Executive Order 2025-012, we secured this opportunity for Puerto Rico.”

Negrón Reichard said that with the arrival of Bethel, “we reaffirm Puerto Rico’s strength and competitiveness as a strategic supplier to the federal government for the manufacture of military uniforms and items.”

“The planned multimillion-dollar investment in machinery, infrastructure, and equipment will create hundreds of jobs within two years, with an estimated annual payroll of $10 million,” he said. “In the long term, the company aims to further expand its operations on the island, providing opportunities for our workforce and strengthening the security of U.S. supplies, especially in light of the current high-stakes geopolitical climate.”

Negrón Reichard also noted that the reshoring effort has generated commitments of $274 million in investment and 2,186 jobs since the start of the current administration, positioning Puerto Rico as a key destination for such initiatives. He said the agency is supporting the project with a grant of $1,809,000 from the Economic Incentive Fund: $600,000 for job creation, $900,000 for machinery and equipment, and $309,000 for infrastructure.

Roberto Lefranc, executive director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, said the building Bethel will lease measures 34,926 square feet.

“We will continue to facilitate operations for both foreign and local companies through our portfolio of industrial properties available in different regions, benefiting the development of our island,” he stated.

Bethel Industries, headquartered in New Jersey, began operations in 1992. Since the arrival of the company’s current president, Bethel has experienced steady growth, quadrupling its revenue since its incorporation in 2010 and achieving record profitability over the past three years while remaining profitable for the last 20 years. The company currently employs some 500 operators and has established itself as a strategic supplier to various Department of Defense organizations and law enforcement agencies, offering a wide range of tactical and protective equipment.

“Bethel Protective Systems has chosen Barceloneta to invest in a new manufacturing facility to produce technologically advanced protective clothing for Department of Defense personnel,” company President Christopher Kim said. “With the support of the government of Puerto Rico and the Municipality of Barceloneta, we project to create up to 400 jobs in two years, with potential for further growth. These positions will be crucial in enhancing the safety of those who serve in our armed forces.”

Currently, the company’s contracts are valued at around $900 million over the next eight years. Additionally, it has received a $17 million federal grant for advanced manufacturing, which includes advanced laser cutting, state-of-the-art bulletproof vests, and automation technologies, all of which will bring well-paying job opportunities to Puerto Rico, as the company plans to bring that technological capability to the island.