Governor Tom Wolf announced that USSC Group (USSC), a manufacturer of custom seating and fire suppression products for the transit, military, and first responder markets, will expand its operations in Pennsylvania and establish a manufacturing facility in Uwchlan Township, Chester County, creating more than 240 new jobs.
“The decision by USSC to continue to grow right here in Pennsylvania is a great win for our commonwealth,” Governor Wolf said. “Not only does this mean more jobs for people seeking work in manufacturing, but it also demonstrates that for manufacturing companies both in and outside of the state, Pennsylvania is the place to be to grow and thrive. I applaud USSC for their commitment to the commonwealth and our workers.”
USSC currently leases a 136,000-square-foot facility in Exton. The company will move operations into a nearly 300,000-square-foot facility in phase one of the expansion to accommodate the need for additional production after a company acquisition. Plans are underway to add an additional 175,000 square feet of manufacturing space in phase two. The company is investing at least $13.2 million into the project and has committed to the creation of at least 243 new jobs and retain a further 133 jobs over the next three years.
“The USSC team is very excited to continue our growth in Chester County,” said Joe Mirabile, president & CEO of USSC Group. “We are passionate about growing our team and creating manufacturing jobs in the great state of Pennsylvania. The CCEDC and the Governor’s Action Team’s support was integral in our decision to base our headquarters here.”
USSC received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $350,000 Pennsylvania First grant, a $109,350 WEDnet grant for employee training, and $486,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be issued after the new jobs are created. The company has also been encouraged to apply for a $2 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) to assist with building and equipment costs.
The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC).
“USSC is one of our most innovative manufacturers and job creators here in Chester County,” said Michael Grigalonis, chief operating officer of CCEDC. “They are also a terrific community partner getting engaged in many of our workforce and youth targeted programs. CCEDC was honored to play a role in facilitating USSC’s expansion here in Chester County.”
Headquartered in Exton, USSC is comprised of United States Seating Company, Fogmaker North America, Valor Seating, and Global Seating Systems, and designs and engineers world-class safety, survivability, and technology products for commercial and military transportation markets.
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