RPC Group Creating 102 Jobs at New, Chester County Manufacturing Facility
"This is great news for Pennsylvania and proof that our economic policies are paying off," said Governor Rendell. "Companies like the RPC Group are realizing Pennsylvania is a great place to do business and they are choosing to set-up shop here to take advantage of our easy access to investment capital and the state's competitive business climate.
"We've targeted our resources to support businesses, revitalize our communities and create new opportunities for our working men and women. This approach has helped point Pennsylvania's economy in the right direction. Today, we have nearly 122,000 more jobs than when I took office; 9,400 of which are here in Chester County.
"For three years, I have worked to improve Pennsylvania's economy and to attract new jobs and private sector investments. This is part of our ongoing effort."
The company's subsidiary, RPC Bramlage WIKO-USA Inc., will locate its new manufacturing facility in the Morgantown Business Park. The decision also means 6 existing sales and marketing positions from a Chester County office will be retained.
The company purchased a 65,000-square-foot facility on eight acres of land on Hemlock Road, which is its first precision injection molding facility. RPC Bramlage WIKO-USA will manufacture rigid plastic packaging at the facility for the beauty/personal care, food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and consumer technical markets.
"As a global supplier to several multinational customers, our decision to introduce manufacturing capabilities in North America is a significant first step in RPC's strategic long-term planning," said Mark Zolty, president, RPC Bramlage WIKO-USA Inc. "The initial $13 million investment was critical in establishing a first-class manufacturing facility to support the current and future packaging needs of our customers."
"This site has been equipped with a view towards strengthening our presence in North America for customers operating across a range of market sectors," added Ron March, chief executive officer, RPC Group Plc. "This will give RPC the potential to further enhance our service in the region."
The Chester County Economic Development Council worked with the Governor's Action Team (GAT) and the Department of Community and Economic Development to assemble an investment package offer that includes a Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan of up to $1.04 million; a $500,000 loan through the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund; a $250,000 Opportunity Grant; $150,000 in Job Training Assistance funds; and $306,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits.
The company has also received a $2.5 million loan through the Citizens Job Bank program, which offers extremely low interest rate loans to companies that commit to creating or expanding jobs in Pennsylvania.
The Governor's Action Team is made up of economic-development professionals who report directly to Governor Rendell. The team serves as a single point of contact for businesses that are interested in locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
During 2005, GAT successfully completed 205 projects statewide resulting in commitments for the creation of nearly 19,800 new jobs and the retention of just under 40,000 existing positions. The commonwealth provided more than $418 million in assistance for these projects, which leveraged more than $1.9 billion in additional investment. More than 72 percent of the projects completed by GAT in 2005 involved manufacturers.
RPC Group is Europe's leading manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging and offers products made by all three conversion processes, blow molding, injection molding and thermoforming. It has 45 operations in 12 countries and employs more than 6,500 people.
WIKO-USA Inc. was established in 1997 as a sales and marketing office for a German-based company before being acquired by RPC Group in June 2000.
For information on the Governor's Action Team, the Citizens Job Bank program, and other economic development programs, visit http://www.newPA.com or call 1-866-GONEWPA (1-866-466-3972).
To learn more about RPC Group, visit http://www.rpc-containers.co.uk. For more information on RPC Bramlage WIKO-USA Inc., visit http://www.wiko-usa.com.
The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT: Kate Philips of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116, or Penny Kline (DCED), +1-717-783-1132.
CONTACT: Kate Philips of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,
+1-717-783-1116, or Penny Kline (DCED), +1-717-783-1132
Web site:
http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.newPA.com/
http://www.rpc-containers.co.uk/
http://www.wiko-usa.com/
http://www.governor.state.pa.us/