OraSure Technologies, a manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests, plans to expand its Lehigh Valley operations.
Expansion is expected to create 177 full-time jobs and retain 233 other positions.
“At a time when the commonwealth is ramping up COVID-19 testing, OraSure Technologies’ expansion will bring both economic opportunities to the region and increased testing accessibility,” Gov. Tom Wolf said.
OraSure is in the process of developing an antigen self-test for COVID-19. The test would not require sending samples to a lab. The company will soon submit its test to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency-use authorization.
The company also is developing an antibody ELISA test for detecting a prior COVID-19 infection. The test will also be submitted to the FDA for emergency-use authorization.
Expanding access to testing will stop the spread of the disease, Dr. Rachel Levine, state secretary of health, said.
The Department of Community and Economic Development submitted a $531,000 Pennsylvania First grant proposal for the project. In addition, the company will receive $531,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits once the new positions are added.
The company is also potentially eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit program and the Manufacturing Tax Credit program.
The company has four Bethlehem locations.