State Investments Helping Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill County Manufacturers to Expand, Create 40-Plus Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New state investments will help deliver more than $6.3 million in new economic development projects to the Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill County, which will create more than 40 new jobs over the next three years, according to Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Austin Burke.

Burke announced today that the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority approved $2.7 million for three projects that will leverage more than $3.6 million in private investment.

"Creating a positive business climate for companies looking to expand is a top priority for the commonwealth," Burke said. "The low-interest loans the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority approved today provide critical capital that will help return two vacant properties to productive use, and encourage business growth and job creation."

One of the approved projects was a $2 million, 15-year loan at 2.5 percent to Fitzpatrick Container Co., which manufactures corrugated shipping containers and displays primarily for the pharmaceutical, food and battery production industries.    

The $5.2 million project, sponsored by Lehigh's Economic Advancement Project Inc., will allow the company to acquire and renovate a vacant 100,000-square-foot building in Upper Macungie Township. The new location will become the company's sole production facility and corporate headquarters, allowing it to increase manufacturing capacity. The company is expected to transfer its existing 65 employees to the new site and create an additional 20 jobs within the next three years.

Applied Separations Inc., which manufactures laboratory sample preparations and supercritical fluids, will receive a $305,945, 15-year loan at 2.5 percent to renovate its existing building in Allentown. The $542,395 project will allow the company to retain 28 employees and create an additional five jobs within the next three years.  Lehigh's Economic Advancement Project Inc. is the sponsoring agency.

The PIDA board also approved a $420,000, 15-year loan at 2.5 percent to the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp. on behalf of Ash/Tec Inc., which manufactures custom machined and fabricated parts. The $600,000 project will allow the company to acquire and renovate the former Cressona Knit building as the base of operations for its green technology division. The company plans to create 17 new jobs at the new facility within the next three years.  

The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority provides capital for infrastructure acquisition, creation and renovation, primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.

For more information about economic development initiatives in Pennsylvania, call 1-866-466-3972 or visit www.newpa.com.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development