On October 6, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a transformative $500,000 investment for Flexopack USA Inc. to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lebanon County. This project is projected to inject $33 million into the local economy and create at least 64 jobs [c49a2d35]. Flexopack USA, which originates from Greece, will build a 107,000-square-foot facility at 3010 Hanford Drive, serving as the primary packaging supplier for Bell & Evans, a well-known poultry producer [c49a2d35].
The investment aligns with Pennsylvania's 10-year Economic Development Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of manufacturing and agriculture in contributing over $116 billion and $132.5 billion to the state's economy, respectively [c49a2d35]. Stamatios Gkinosatis, CEO of Flexopack, expressed enthusiasm for the investment, highlighting its role in supporting local supply chains and enhancing economic growth in the region [c49a2d35].
In addition to this announcement, Pennsylvania is also investing over $3.2 million in Lancaster's U.S. Boiler Company. This investment will aid the company's $5.5 million expansion project, which includes constructing a 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and is expected to create at least 15 new jobs while retaining 117 existing positions [b1598b25]. The investment package for U.S. Boiler includes a $3 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and a $177,000 Pennsylvania First grant [b1598b25].
Governor Shapiro emphasized that these investments send a clear message that Pennsylvania is open for business and committed to fostering economic growth through support for local manufacturing companies [b1598b25].
Furthermore, PNK Group USA has announced plans to develop a large industrial park in northeastern Pennsylvania, purchasing 88.73 acres of land near Scranton. This project aims to revitalize unused land and attract various industries, with plans for remediation of historical mining sites [65bff85d]. Mark B. Stiles from PNK Group USA noted the region's strong labor availability and proximity to major markets, which are advantageous for the new business park [65bff85d].
These initiatives reflect a broader trend of investment in Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector, highlighting the state's commitment to economic development and job creation across various industries [b5c7b218].