Governor Tom Wolf announced that AMES Reese, Inc., a manufacturer of powdered metal component parts, will expand operations and create 30 new jobs at its current site in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County.
“Today I am pleased to announce that AMES Reese has renewed its commitment to Pennsylvania and will be increasing its manufacturing presence in Lancaster County,” said Governor Wolf. “This project highlights a great level of cooperation at the local and state levels, with multiple partners coming together to help AMES expand its physical presence, and provide the necessary training to new and current employees to make sure they have the skills to excel and fill the company’s needs.”
As part of the expansion project, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is offering a new Apprenticeship Training Program supported by the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board that will provide both existing and new employees with the higher-level skills needed in powdered metals parts production.
AMES Reese plans to construct an 86,600-square-foot, two-story building on its current owned site. The new building will be situated adjacent to its existing building and will provide the needed space and ceiling height to meet AMES’ growing business demands. This expansion will allow AMES to install larger and higher efficiency furnaces and presses with higher tonnage, giving the capacity to manufacture much larger parts. AMES has committed to making an investment of several million dollars in the project, and retaining 60 jobs and creating an additional 30 full-time positions. “The Lancaster County facility AMES Reese plans to construct will be one of the most modern powdered metal plants in the United States,” said Henry Trabal, Executive Vice President, AMES Reese. “A key to our success will be in the ability to train and develop a workforce with the skills we need. We appreciate the cooperation and support we have received on the local and state levels, and are excited to begin an apprenticeship program in coordination with HACC that will include a specific module in our technology”.
AMES Reese received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $150,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant and $90,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon the creation of the new jobs.
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 Economic Development Company of Lancaster County.
“AMES Reese has a long history in Lancaster County, and being in the powdered metals industry, brings unique needs and opportunities to the area,” said Lisa Riggs, President, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County. “The team at AMES has been a great partner throughout this project, and we appreciate the commitment they bring to their new facility and this community.”
AMES Reese, Inc. was founded in 1996 when parent company AMES Group purchased the former Reese Metal Products Corporation in East Lampeter Township. AMES is involved in the manufacture and sale of powdered metal component parts, primarily for the automotive industry. AMES Reese serves as the Logistics Center for the company’s North American market, and also as the North American Headquarters for AMES Group. AMES Reese works with a large number of distributions and sourcing platforms to manufacture its products for both U.S. and European markets. More information about open positions can be found at http://www.ames-powder-metal.com/company/work-with-us/.
For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or DCED, visit dced.pa.gov.