MIFFLINTOWN – Juniata County is opening new doors for businesses with the expansion of its industrial park in Mifflintown.

Juniata Business and Industry, which oversees the project, announced that 12 newly developed lots are available in Phase IV of the Juniata County Industrial Park.

The industrial park has been part of the local economy since 1973. Its first three phases house 28 businesses that employ over 400 people. Dane Walters, marketing director for Juniata Business and Industry, said the new phase is designed to attract both outside companies and local firms looking to grow.

“The main vision for Phase IV is to bring companies in,” Walters said. “It doesn’t really lend itself to large-scale operations. We’re mainly looking at smaller businesses–maybe 50 employees at the most–or existing local businesses that want to expand from where they are now and grow.”

The available parcels range in size from 1.26 acres to over 3.3 acres. Combined, the largest contiguous land area would be under nine acres. Each lot includes paved streets, water, sewer, telephone, electric, and fiber-optic connections, which Walters said give prospective buyers a ready-to-build foundation.

Location is another selling point. Mifflintown sits between State College and Harrisburg, along U.S. Route 22/322. Walters noted that the site’s access to major highways makes it well-positioned for companies that need to connect with suppliers or customers. “You can get on and off right there. Within an hour, you can be on Interstate 80, 81, 83, or even the turnpike,” he said.

Officials also point to other advantages. Juniata County has lower taxes and a lower crime rate than larger nearby cities. Walters added the county has a workforce known for reliability. “We have a hardworking workforce, more than what you might find in bigger cities,” he said.

Several industries already established in the park could draw complementary businesses. Walters pointed to DuMor, a local manufacturer, and Keystone Coating, which provides powder coating. “It would be a good location for companies that already do business with them,” Walters said.

Interest in the new phase has been steady, though Walters acknowledged that rumors about infrastructure have slowed some inquiries. “We’ve had some people saying the streets aren’t approved for traffic, which isn’t true,” he said. “They were built to the standards of PennDOT and the township. There’s no problem with them at all. The lots are ready for purchase now, and as soon as you get your permitting, you can build.”

Juniata Business and Industry also offer support to businesses relocating to the park. Walters said his team helps companies navigate the permitting process and connect with government loan programs. “Sometimes permitting can be pretty cumbersome,” he said. “We try to help them through that.”

Beyond infrastructure and logistics, Walters described the park as a community in itself. He said JBI is planning to restart a networking program that brings business owners and managers together. A similar effort was held before the pandemic, giving companies the chance to share resources and make connections.

“It really worked out well that they got discussing who had better deals on shortages or where to purchase different things. It set up a good network,” Walters said. The group plans to meet again this winter.

Juniata County officials say the expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen the local economy by providing opportunities for smaller businesses to take root. The industrial park’s growth over the last 50 years has shown how targeted development can create jobs while preserving the county’s rural character.

For now, the focus is on filling the 12 lots in Phase IV. Walters said the opportunity is open for companies looking for a location with infrastructure in place and a supportive business environment. “The lots are available right now,” he said. “We’re ready to welcome new businesses into the community.”