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HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania has secured a $142.2 million investment from First Quality Retail Services, LLC (First Quality) to expand its manufacturing operations in Mifflin County -- a project that will create 91 new jobs over three years and retain 2,441 existing positions by First Quality and its affiliates statewide.
First Quality, a manufacturer of everyday essentials for personal and household care, will add four production lines to its facility located on Locust Road in Lewistown to meet increased demand for its products. "Pennsylvania offers an exceptionally skilled workforce, strategic location, and the resources for growing businesses to thrive and today's announcement proves it yet again," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "My Administration is committed to making our Commonwealth the best place in the nation to do business and we'll continue making bold, strategic investments that strengthen our economy and deliver real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians."
First Quality received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $110,000 WEDnetPA grant to train their workers.
"First Quality has been a mainstay and major employer in Pennsylvania for well over three decades now and the Shapiro Administration is thrilled to see their continued investment in our Commonwealth," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "Governor Shapiro and I understand that we need to make strategic investments that create opportunities for Pennsylvanians and help revitalize local economies. First Quality's expansion will further strengthen Pennsylvania's manufacturing industry and create new jobs for our workers -- a true win-win."
First Quality began in Pennsylvania in 1989 as a manufacturer of adult incontinence products for the healthcare industry at its first location in McElhattan, Clinton County. Since then, the company has grown to become a leader in both healthcare and retail across North America, expanding product offerings to include baby wipes and feminine hygiene, incontinence, and other household products.
"First Quality is thrilled to be expanding our adult incontinence manufacturing capacity in Lewistown," said Allen Bodford, President, First Quality Absorbent Hygiene Division. "We thank Governor Shapiro, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation for their continued support. We also want to thank our dedicated team in Lewistown for their continued dedication to the company and to making a quality product for our customers."
"First Quality came to our community in 2009 and quickly became a top five private sector employer," said Nick Felice, President/CEO, Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation. "This expansion shows their strong commitment to Mifflin County, as they continue to provide competitive wages and benefits to area residents. We are appreciative of their investments here in Central Pennsylvania and look forward to their continued positive impact on our local and regional economy."
All across Pennsylvania, manufacturers are expanding and creating jobs -- from Eos in Allegheny County, Nichols Portland in Elk County, Imperial Systems in Mercer County, Qualex in Venango County, and Tate in York County. Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, according to analysis by Moody's. This latest recognition builds on growing evidence that Pennsylvania's economy is strong, competitive, and on the rise. Also, Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."