Governor Corbett: East Penn Manufacturing to Expand Operations in Berks County; Add 400 Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett announced today that East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. (East Penn) will expand its operations to support new growth in the manufacturing industry, adding 400 new jobs in Berks County.

"My administration is committed to enacting policies that encourage employers like East Penn Manufacturing to continue growing and creating jobs in Pennsylvania," Corbett said. "As a result of our commitment, East Penn Manufacturing will add 400 jobs to the more than 6,000 they already employ in the commonwealth."

East Penn will expand its operations by constructing a new 458,000 sq. ft. battery manufacturing plant to produce batteries that will accommodate the company's growth in strategic areas and markets. The company will invest more than $50 million in construction of the new facility. The expansion will result in the purchase of new equipment and employee training, while creating 400 new jobs at the facility within the next three years.

"Cooperation from the commonwealth demonstrates a strong commitment by the state government toward making Pennsylvania an economic leader. The expansion of this facility will help us continue to create jobs in Pennsylvania. This support also has a positive impact on the community, our suppliers, and the many customers we serve," Dan Langdon, President of East Penn said.

The company received a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development including a $500,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant, $800,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits, $180,000 in Guaranteed Free Training, and a $5,000,000 in a 10-year low-interest loan at 1.5 percent from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF).  

The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) will provide a $6 million, 15-year low-interest loan at 1.5 percent to the Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF) on behalf of East Penn.

The project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, or GAT, a group of economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. GAT worked with the GBDF to support East Penn's expansion project. The GBDF has been helping companies locate, expand, and grow in the Reading area for more than 65 years.

"East Penn is a successful and entrepreneurial manufacturing company investing locally, adding more than 400 sustainable jobs," Edward J. Swoyer Jr., President of the Greater Berks Development Fund said. "I couldn't think of a better investment that aligns with the goals of the state's and the county's economic development programs."

East Penn is a leading manufacturer of high quality lead-acid batteries and accessories for the automotive, commercial, marine, motive power, UPS, and telecommunication markets. The company's quality and environmental systems for its entire 520-acre complex have been certified to ISO 9001:2008, ISO/TS 16949:2009, and ISO 14001:2004 requirements.

For more information on East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. visit:  http://www.dekabatteries.com/

For more information visit www.pa.gov.

Media contacts:
Kelli Roberts, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Steven Kratz, DCED; 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor