Air Liquide Advanced Materials, Inc., which manufactures specialty chemicals for the semiconductor business, recently chose Northampton County, Penn., as the location for an expansion of its operations that will bring nearly 200 jobs to the region.
The company will locate its expansion in a 105,000-square-foot facility in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, five miles from its already existing operation. Air Liquide will invest approximately $45 million in the project, create 188 new high-paying jobs, and retain 80 more jobs over the next three years.
“Air Liquide is committed to continued long-term growth and engagement with the communities in which it operates,” Paul Burlingame, president and CEO of Air Liquide Advanced Materials, said. “We are pleased that our community ties and strong partnership with the Governor’s Action team have helped make this investment possible. We look forward to expanding our operations in Northampton County and are proud to contribute to the growing economic vitality in the area and strengthening the manufacturing industry in the state.”
The Department of Community and Economic Development granted Air Liquide a funding proposal for $564,000 in Pennsylvania First funding. The company also will also receive $564,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs. The Governor’s Action Team and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) coordinated the project
“The presence of Voltaix and now Air Liquide has been a hidden gem for many years in Northampton County and the Lehigh Valley,” Don Cunningham, president and CEO of LVEDC, said. “The company’s decision to remain and grow here will result in even more high-quality manufacturing jobs in an important technology sector of the economy. We’re grateful for Air Liquide’s decision to continue its growth here helping to drive manufacturing as the second largest part of the Lehigh Valley economy.”