Our founder Harry Kaplan begins working in the scrap metal business with his father-in-law John Musan at American and Oxford Streets in Philadelphia. Harry goes on to buy out Musan’s interest.
Our Journey
Early 1900s
Harry’s son, Ray, starts on the scrap metal truck with his father. They begin buying and selling machinery.
They purchase the Riley Cold Storage and Milk Plant in Pitman, New Jersey to scrap the machinery.
1930s
1940s
Company moves to York and Cabot Streets in Philadelphia
A model of purchasing equipment and machinery for scrap metal continues to evolve into the purchases of entire factories including real estate.
Penncoyd properties acquired along the Schuylkill River
Partnership acquisition of Diston Saw Works in Tacony Philadelphia
The model of purchasing real estate evolves further to include leasing and sales of the now-empty factories.
1950s
1960s
Acquisition of Proctor Schwartz flagship complex in Olney Philadelphia
Properties acquired at Brown Street, Delaware Avenue and later Front & Fairmount
Robert Kaplan joins the company after graduating from Wharton, with an MBA
Company acquires industrial assets in Pennsauken & Camden, NJ
Acquisitions expand into Bucks County, PA as the business model continues to evolve into warehouse investing
1970s
1980s
Warehouse acquisitions continue in Bucks County
John Kaplan relocates from the West Coast to become the company’s President
Camden & Pennsauken warehouses are leased for storage of cocoa beans and other commodities
Delaware Avenue is leased as a bus terminal
Olney (Proctor Schwartz) property is subdivided and leased to a variety of small businesses
1990s
2000s
Philadelphia & NJ area properties are assembled and marketed
The model evolves with a focus on providing warehouses to small businesses
Karen Kaplan and subsequently Jake Kaplan are hired to oversee the exchange of properties and manage the portfolio
Delaware Avenue & Camden Properties are exchanged for assets nationwide
Offices relocate to Kennett Square, Pa
Industrial acquisitions in Bucks County and Delaware County, Pennsylvania resume
Kaplan Properties Branding begins
2010s
2020s
Acquisitions in Bucks County, PA continue
Acquisitions in Philadelphia, PA resume
Investments in Solar, EVs, and Carbon Sequestration
Corporate restructure to enable continued growth with a focus on sustainability