Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced that Joy Cone, a food manufacturer in Mercer County, will expand its cookie manufacturing operations in the county, supporting the creation and retention of more than 400 full-time jobs.
“The food manufacturing industry is thriving in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “The commonwealth’s partnership with Joy Cone will help them meet consumer demand, create jobs in Mercer County, and produce sweets and treats to be enjoyed worldwide.”
The Department of Community and Economic Development provided Joy Cone with a funding proposal, which includes a $450,000 Pennsylvania First grant. The Governor’s Action Team coordinated the project.
Joy Cone has pledged to invest more than $10 million in the project and create and retain at least 400 full-time jobs over the next three years. The company will invest in a new, high-output wafer line. This grant will fund the purchase of new equipment as well as employee retainment and training.
“Given the growing demand for our product, we knew we needed to purchase this new equipment quickly, and this grant is a tremendous help as we manage this significant capital cost,” David George, president and CEO of Joy Cone Co., said. “We are excited for this new phase as we continue to grow our operations in Western Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania has 2,300 food processing companies, and its snack food and confectionary industries generate more than $5.1 billion in sales each year. The commonwealth is number one in the United States for the value of shipments of chocolate and cocoa products, potato chips, pretzels, and canned fruit and vegetable specialty products.