West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (West) will be expanding its operations in Jersey Shore of Lycoming County, a move that Gov. Tom Wolf said will create 225 new, full-time jobs.
West is a provider of high-quality injectable solutions and services, according to a press release by Wolf’s office. The company was founded in Pennsylvania in 1923 and has about 10,000 team members in 50 sites around the world. West delivers more than 45 billion components and devices annually. The company was described as ensuring “safe, effective containment and delivery” of vital medicines for patients that could either save lives or enhance life.
“West clearly recognizes the advantages of doing business in Pennsylvania, and I’m pleased they will continue growing right here in the commonwealth,” said Wolf. “Our strong manufacturing base gave us a competitive advantage over other states for this expansion project. It’s always great to see homegrown companies – particularly a global manufacturer like West – continue to thrive and succeed in Pennsylvania.”
The project involves expanding the Jersey Shore facility through increasing production capacity and adding floor space. The expansion will also involve increasing its back office, administrative, research and development services at the West’s corporate headquarters in Exton, located in Chester County. Between the two locations there will not only be 225 new full-time jobs, but also the retainment of 1,385 more across the state.
“We are pleased to continue our growth in Lycoming County, which will help support our mission of improving patient lives around the globe. I’m proud of our team members and they work they do every day,” said Gabe Hansen, site director at West’s Jersey Shore facility. “West has been a long-time partner in this community, and we look forward to being able to provide more job opportunities as a result of this expansion and are excited to contribute to a continued bright future for Lycoming County.”
West received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a Pennsylvania First grant of $1.125 million; a $250,000 workforce development grant for training; and were encouraged to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit and Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction programs.
The company committed to a $60 million investment and the jobs created and retained will come within five years.
The Governor’s Action Team coordinated a project for the second time with West. Last September Wolf announced that West would be creating more than 200 jobs at their facilities in Williamsport, Jersey Shore and Exton. Since GAT was created, GAT has invested $17 billion in seven years. This has supported 420 completed projects, created 47,000 new jobs and retained 143,000 jobs.
Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jason Fink said the is excited for the expansion. He said the expansion involves investing about $65 million into the local plant, while adding 125 family sustaining jobs.
“Thank you to West in continuing to recognize the quality workforce found here in Lycoming County,” Fink said. “We also want to recognize the local elected leaders at the Jersey Shore Borough, Jersey Shore Area School Board and Lycoming County Board of Commissioners for their support of the LERTA which played a key role in helping to land this project for our area. Thank you also to the Governor’s Action Team in their efforts to win jobs for Pennsylvania and continuing to be the partner with us in growing our economy.”