Lt. Governor Jim Cawley was joined by officials of Urban Outfitters, Inc. to announce two major expansions at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and in Gap, Lancaster County, creating at least 2,500 new jobs upon completion.
“Founded in University City more than 40 years ago, Urban Outfitters is a true success story that continues to grow and create new jobs,” Cawley said. “Today, Governor Tom Corbett and I not only recognize the success and growth of a Pennsylvania-founded firm, we celebrate the 2,500 jobs that will be created in Philadelphia and Gap.”
Urban Outfitters was founded by current President, Chairman and CEO Richard Hayne in 1970 in University City, Philadelphia. Presently headquartered at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the company employs more than 2,400 in Pennsylvania. The firm’s direct-to-consumer – catalog and internet – sales have experienced dramatic growth in recent years and Urban Outfitters will move forward with a significant expansion.
“On behalf of our customers, employees and shareholders, I thank Governor Corbett for his personal involvement in these projects,” said Richard A. Hayne, Chairman, President & CEO, Urban Outfitters.
“Our company has had a history of success in Pennsylvania and these projects will provide the additional infrastructure necessary to achieve our corporate growth objectives for years to come.
“Governor Corbett’s commitment and leadership was evidenced by his administration working with numerous local and regional economic development agencies. There was seamless support and unified effort with his leadership at the top. We look forward to URBN’s continued rapid growth and the resulting increase of the number of jobs for Pennsylvanians,” Hayne said.
Urban Outfitters’ expansion plans consist of two separate components: a headquarters expansion at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and construction of an east coast direct-to-consumer fulfillment center in Gap, Lancaster County. Overall, the firm will invest more than $200 million in both projects that are projected to create at least 500 new jobs in Gap and 2,000 new jobs in Philadelphia upon completion.
“Putting Pennsylvanians back to work is priority for the Corbett Administration and today’s announcement, 2,500 new, stable jobs, is further evidence of our progress,” Cawley said.
Urban Outfitters will be eligible to receive Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) benefits at both the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the site in Gap for a period of 10 years. The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia School District approved the extension of an existing KOZ. The Lancaster County Commissioners, Salisbury Township Board of Supervisors and Pequea Valley School District approved the designation of a new, KOZ in Gap. KOZs offer developable sites with either greatly reduced or eliminated state and local taxes.
“This expansion is proof that the best way to spur new job growth is to work with local leaders and businesses,” Cawley said. “Governor Corbett and I appreciate our partnership with the county, city and local governments in Philadelphia and Lancaster counties to create opportunity for Pennsylvanians.”
Cawley made the announcement at the 2013 International Economic Development Council Conference which was held at the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott. Earlier in the morning, the lieutenant governor provided the keynote remarks at the organization’s opening plenary session.