Northumberland-based Encina announced Thursday it plans to invest $1.1 billion into a new manufacturing facility in Point Township.
The new facility, to be called the Point Township Circular Manufacturing Facility, would be the first in the region to use advanced technologies to convert post-consumer materials to feedstock for the manufacturing of thousands of new products. The new facility is anticipated to create 300 new full-time jobs.
“Increasingly, customers are demanding sustainable practices across the product supply chain and life cycle. The feedstocks we manufacture – reduce waste, offset the need to produce virgin materials, and help manufacturers achieve carbon-neutral goals as we transition to a circular economy. Pennsylvania’s access to markets and skilled workforce presents an ideal opportunity for investment, and we’re committed to being an engaged partner as we build long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with the local community and businesses,” said David Roesser, chief executive officer of Encina.
Company officials said the new facility is expected to process 450,000 tons of post-consumer materials annually, diverting it away from landfills and incinerators. The facility would also reduce the need to produce new plastic from oil and gas resources, providing “circular solutions” to customers committed to reducing their environmental impact and building a circular economy.
“I’m pleased by Encina’s commitment to Pennsylvania with this investment,” Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said. “Not only will they be creating new, good-paying jobs, but they’re committed to doing it with an innovative approach that will lessen their impact on the climate and sustain a brighter future for all of us.”
The facility’s construction and operation are expected to add more than $2.1 billion to the area’s economy over the next five years, with construction expected to last 24 months and employ 750 local workers.
Construction is expected to start in fall 2022, with the facility completely operational by 2024.