Texas-based AirBorn, an industrial electronics manufacturer, broke ground Wednesday on the 30,000-square-foot expansion of its Lake City, Pa., location.
The $3.7 million investment will double the size of the Erie County location and will expand the company’s capacity to supply electronic components.
AirBorn manufactures connectors and electronic components for Original Equipment Manufacturers worldwide in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries.
“AirBorn’s investment in Lake City is a testament both to the workforce and to the partnership we’ve formed with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Michael Cole, AirBorn president and chief operating officer, said. “We build innovative electronic solutions for companies large and small. These solutions will not only be made in the USA but made in Lake City.”
The expansion will be completed by the end of the year and is expected to add up to 249 new full-time jobs and retain 140 existing jobs over the next three years. The company is already hiring for some positions.
AirBorn has received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development and a $112,050 workforce development grant to train workers. It also is eligible for low-interest loans.
The Lake City plant was created in 2002 when AirBorn merged with Caron Enterprises.
Erie, Pa.-based McCormick Structural Systems is constructing the new building.