BAINBRIDGE – Since 2006, the former Elmer’s Glue plant in Bainbridge has sat vacant. With its conspicuously posted “For Sale” signs, overgrown weeds and rusting chain link fence, the empty factory was a visible reminder of the erosion of the area’s once thriving manufacturing base.

Now, however, those “For Sale” signs are gone, and a new owner has plans to breathe life back into the former adhesive manufacturing plant.

That new owner is Bob Allen of R.O. Allen & Son Portable Storage of Chenango Bridge, which specializes in rehabilitating portable storage containers and trailers. From its present location in Broome County, the family-owned business serves all of New York State and northern Pennsylvania.

Allen said he had been “looking for years” for a second location, one with more yard space and higher ceilings. He’d even contemplated building a structure to better suit their needs. But when he learned the old Borden plant was to be auctioned off, he knew it was too good of a deal to pass up.

Allen purchased the 54,000 square foot facility and the 19 acres on which it sits for $150,000 at the auction, held on Aug. 4. Its assessed value, according to the auction flyer, was $490,359.

At less than $3 a square foot, the facility – which boasts six loading docks, mezzanine office space and rail siding – was definitely “a bargain,” Allen said.