In southwestern Pennsylvania, people can breathe a little easier, now that it is the site of an expansion by Respironics, a leading manufacturer of respiratory devices. The expansion, which will result in a new 165,000-square-foot facility, represents an investment of $120 million, as well as 330 new jobs and 1,492 saved jobs.
According to Governor Edward G. Rendell, Respironics was encouraged to expand in Pennsylvania because of the commonwealth’s economic incentives for manufacturing companies. This sentiment was seconded by Allen Kukovich, director of the Governor’s Southwest Regional Office. When Kukovich participated in the company’s ground-breaking ceremony, he presented a ceremonial check representing a $1.79 million financial package from the Department of Community and Economic Development. The package includes an $800,000 opportunity grant and $990,000 in job creation tax credits.
The company worked with the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County and the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation to secure the funding offer. And the project was coordinated through the Governor’s Action Team, a group of economic development professionals who serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
“Respironics is thankful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for its generous economic package,” said John L. Miclot, the company’s president and CEO. “We’re proud of our company’s history here in western Pennsylvania and we’re pleased to continue to bring jobs, growth and opportunity to the region.”
“Respironics is a ‘home grown’ Pennsylvania business that became a worldwide leader in its industry,” Governor Rendell said. “Its expansion sends a clear message that Pennsylvania has the tools and resources to help established and new companies compete successfully in the global marketplace.”