Governor Corbett: Out-of-State Manufacturer to Relocate to the Lehigh Valley; Create 124 Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Governor Tom Corbett announced today Flowserve Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of flow management systems in the oil and gas industry, will relocate a portion of its out-of-state pump division operations to the Lehigh Valley, bringing 124 new jobs to the region.

"Whether you live in the regions of Pennsylvania where natural gas is being extracted or in places like the Lehigh Valley, shale gas development continues to result in job creation throughout the state," Corbett said. "Flowserve is a great example of a company relocating to Pennsylvania to be closer to clients and benefit from the state's pro-business climate and excellent quality of life."

To address Flowserve's need for a larger, more modern facility the company will relocate a key segment of its Engineered Pumps Division, located in New Jersey, to a facility in Hanover Township, Northampton County. Flowserve will be moving teams from its product, application, and service engineering, as well as a portion of its finance organization, all providing support to other organizations around the globe.

"We are excited about relocating to Pennsylvania. The new facility will be the home of numerous pump, technical and commercial resources, as well as research and development engineers," said Tom Pajonas, Chief Operating Officer for Flowserve.

"Support of the Governor's Action Team and the Northampton County Industrial Development Authority has been instrumental in making this move a success. We look forward to growing our organization and taking advantage of the strong technical base as we attract skilled positions from the schools and universities in the region," Pajonas said.

Overall, the company will enter into a 10-year lease and invest more than $1.5 million in renovations, infrastructure improvements, and new equipment. The relocation is projected to create 124 jobs within the next three years. 

"We are proud that Flowserve recognized Northampton County's talent, investment, vision, and location as the reasons why they are locating here," said Francis X. Hackett, Northampton County Industrial Development Authority chairperson.  "Northampton County is poised to aggressively partner with companies through our job creation programs to incentivize private sector investment."

To assist with Flowserve's relocation efforts, the company received a $310,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

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 Northampton County Industrial Development Association to support Flowserve's expansion project.

"The Lehigh Valley continues to attract companies such as Flowserve in major part because we are home to an increasingly qualified workforce and top-flight facilities in an outstanding, pro-business environment," said Don Cunningham, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. "With the move Flowserve will create 124 new jobs that pay well in the critically important manufacturing sector."

Flowserve Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of pumps, valves, seals, automation and services to the power, oil, gas, chemical and other industries. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, the company has a client base in more than 70 countries.

For more information on Flowserve Corporation, Inc. visit www.flowserve.com

For more information on the Governor's Action Team and other economic development initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

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

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor