Sep. 29, 2009 (PR Newswire) --
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that the cabinet manufacturing division of Armstrong World Industries will invest $7.8 million to expand operations at its Thompsontown plant -- a move that will create 125 jobs within three years and retain 393 existing positions.
"Armstrong's decision to expand in Juniata County is great news for Pennsylvania," said Governor Rendell. "To help turn around our economy, there's more reason than ever for Pennsylvania to invest in quality projects that create jobs and leverage private sector investment in the state."
Lancaster-based Armstrong World Industries Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets. The company operates 37 plants in nine countries and has approximately 11,200 employees worldwide. Armstrong's cabinet division, which manufactures fine kitchen and bath cabinets, is the nation's largest direct distributor of cabinetry.
"We appreciate the commonwealth's support of the value Armstrong brings to the economy as a manufacturer and employer," said Armstrong President and CEO Michael D. Lockhart. "We look forward to continued success as a Pennsylvania-based company."
The company's project was coordinated through the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state. Pennsylvania is providing the company with a $1.15 million funding program that includes an $800,000 opportunity grant and $350,000 in job training assistance.
The state's offer is contingent on the funding available to these programs in the commonwealth's final enacted budget.
Since Governor Rendell took office in 2003, GAT has successfully completed 1,177 projects, resulting in commitments to create 125,442 new jobs and retain 300,245 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $2.2 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $16 billion in additional investment.
For more information about Armstrong World Industries, visit www.armstrong.com.
For information on the Governor's Action Team, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Luke Webber (DCED)
717-783-1132
Michael Smith
717-783-1116
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
