Buyer Plans to Convert 200,000-SF Knott’s HQ

PLACENTIA, CA-Western Realco LLC of Newport Beach and Connecticut-based Penwood Real Estate Investment Management have acquired the former headquarters of Knott’s Berry Farm and plan to convert the approximately 200,000-square-foot facility into manufacturing and warehouse space before marketing it for sale or lease. The sale of the property, which attracted multiple offers, is one of a number of deals that underscore increased activity in the industrial sector in North Orange County, according to Ian Britton, one of a team of CB Richard Ellis brokers who represented the Knott Family Co. in the transaction.

Built in and owned by the Knott family since 1985, the building sits on 12 acres at 200 Boysenberry Lane and served as the production facility for Knott’s jams and preserves for over 15 years. The highly specialized facility has a long history of jam production, first by Knott’s and later by Conagra and Smuckers, according to Britton, whose CBRE partners in the approximately $10.3 million sale were Ben Seybold and Art Rasmussen. The buyers were represented by EVP Jeff Read of Grubb & Ellis Co., who notes that the building includes corporate-image office space, two acres of excess land and a secured yard close to the 57 and 91 freeways.