Seakeeper expanding its presence in Pennsylvania

Seakeeper, a manufacturer of gyroscopes for boats, recently announced plans to move its headquarters to Pennsylvania and will expand the existing Berks County manufacturing facility.

The company will invest $11.1 million to renovate the Berks County facility, expanding it to 180,000 square feet and increasing operational space to seven buildings. The expansion will retain 97 jobs and create another seven full-time positions.

“We are extremely grateful to have found our home here in Berks County, and thankful for the support of the Governor’s Action Team,” Andrew Semprevivio, Seakeeper president and CEO, said. “We have incredibly passionate and hardworking employees, and we’re in a town and state governed by leaders who recognize innovation and support growing local businesses. This community is our family.”

The Department of Community and Economic Development submitted a funding proposal to Seakeeper that includes a $66,000 workforce development grant to help the company train workers, $291,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs, and a $400,000 Pennsylvania First grant.

Seakeeper is encouraged to apply for a $2.4 million loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.

The company manufactures marine stabilization devices that eliminate up to 95 percent of boat roll. It sold its first Seakeeper unit in 2008.