KSI cuts ribbon on renovated wing

Kent-Sussex Industries cut the ribbon Dec. 12 on a newly renovated wing of its Milford facility to host the company’s life enrichment program.

The new wing is part of a multiphase renovation of KSI’s facility, which will enable the company to better serve its clients. The company helps provide assistance to people with mental and physical disabilities. The addition includes upgraded computer systems, more efficient HVAC, partitions to provide separate learning stations and a handicap-accessible ramp.

Jim Greenwell, vice president of finance and technology, said the company bought the building in 1985; in its previous life, the building had been a shirt factory. Greenwell said the building still looks like a shirt factory, and the purpose of the renovations is to change that. 

Greenwell said the majority of the funds for the life enrichment program wing came from state community reinvestment funds. Ultimately, he said, KSI plans to spend $3.3 million on additional renovations to the building. Besides providing in-house services for 233 people at its facility in Milford, the company also has a fleet of vehicles that helps people with disabilities access work and other services in Kent and Sussex counties.

“I believe our staff and participants deserve a space like this,” Greenwell said.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting included Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln; Milford Mayor Archie Campbell and Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford. 

New company CEO Heath Chasanov, who took over the position Dec. 4, said while there is no timetable for future renovations, he is proud of the first step. 

“We needed to match up facilities with the programming that we’re providing, which is effective services for individuals with disabilities in the comfort, safety, dignity and respect they deserve,” he said.