Pennsylvania lends support to 3 manufacturing expansions

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell on September 7 announced that the commonwealth is supporting the expansion plans of three Franklin County manufacturing companies: American Fibertech, Jerr-Dan and York Refrigeration Systems North America. Combined, the projects will create and retain nearly 1,000 jobs within three years.

"These investments are terrific news for the hardworking men and women of Franklin County," Governor Rendell said. "By supporting the growth of these three manufacturers, as well as others around the state, we're improving the quality of life for Pennsylvania's hardworking men and women and their families.

"We have cultivated a strong and competitive business environment in Pennsylvania by making targeted investments like the ones being announced today and reducing business taxes by more than $1 billion. Each day, we work to strengthen the commonwealth's reputation by encouraging businesses to locate and expand here, which opens the door to new opportunities and helps revitalize Pennsylvania's towns and cities.

"July's employment statistics once again showed that Franklin County has the lowest unemployment rate in the state. There were also 10,300 more people working in the county in July than in January 2003. These numbers prove our efforts to create new family-supporting jobs across the commonwealth are working."

The following Governor's Action Team (GAT) projects were announced:

American Fibertech Corporation (AFC), a manufacturer and recycler of wooden pallets, will create at least 51 new jobs by 2007. AFC, which does business under the Industrial Pallet Corp. name, purchased a warehouse in Greencastle and installed the latest technology equipment to start a pallet recycling operation on the I-81 corridor. The Greencastle facility houses production and office functions totaling approximately 50,000 square feet. The Department of Community and Economic Development, through GAT, offered American Fibertech a $576,000 financial package to locate its new manufacturing facility in Franklin County. The company is also eligible to apply for a $1,275,000 loan through the Citizens Job Bank Program, which offers low-interest-rate loans to companies that commit to creating or expanding jobs in Pennsylvania. AFC's investment in the project is currently over $3.3 million.

Jerr-Dan Corporation, a leading manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment, is creating at least 85 new jobs within three years and will retain 308 existing employees by purchasing additional equipment to expand its car carrier deck manufacturing operations in Greencastle. The company's project also entails necessary improvements to ensure sufficient water supply for fire safety and better access to its Hykes Road property. DCED and GAT offered Jerr-Dan $770,000 in funding for its project, which will cost $4.9 million.

York Refrigeration Systems North America, a manufacturer of industrial refrigeration equipment and parts, is creating at least 29 new jobs within three years and will retain 521 existing employees by expanding and modernizing its Waynesboro facility. The project also includes new laboratory space, infrastructure improvements and training upgrades. DCED and GAT offered York Refrigeration Systems North America a $2.8 million funding package. The company will complete its multi-million dollar upgrade in 2007.

The Franklin County Area Development Corp. (FCADC) worked with all three companies to help secure funding offers from the commonwealth.

"Having American Fibertech establish a new manufacturing operation in Greencastle, coupled with the expansions of Jerr-Dan and York International/Johnson Controls is indicative of the very favorable business climate in Franklin County," said L. Michael Ross, president of FCADC. "The projects will provide for the long-term stability of the local economy."

GAT is comprised of economic-development professionals reporting directly to Governor Rendell, and serves as a single point-of-contact for businesses considering locatinging or expanding in Pennsylvania. The team works with domestic and international businesses and professional site consultants on projects possessing significant investment and job creation opportunities.

Since Rendell took office in 2003, a total of eight GAT projects have been completed in Franklin County. The projects will create 292 new jobs and retain 1,393 existing jobs. The commonwealth has offered more than $7 million in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $33 million in additional investment.

Statewide, 705 GAT projects have been successfully completed since 2003 resulting in commitments for the creation of 72,570 new jobs and the retention of 184,707 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $1.2 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $9 billion in additional investment.