Gentex Corporation, an advanced manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), announced last week plans to expand operations at its headquarters in Fell Township, Lackawanna County, creating 60 new jobs and retaining 484 current jobs at the facility.
The $14 million, multi-year plan includes the renovation and optimization of Gentex’s existing 299,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility. The company will also purchase new machinery and equipment, and continue investing in training its skilled workforce.
“Gentex is committed to continue growing in Northeast Pennsylvania,” Gentex CEO L.P. Frieder said. “This investment, with the support of the Department of Community and Economic Development, assists us in retaining and developing the talent necessary to design and deliver the innovative products and technologies our global customers demand.”
In addition to PPE manufacturing, Gentex also manufactures situational awareness systems for defense, law enforcement/first responder, and industrial safety applications. Founded in 1894, Gentex is a premium supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies.
“Gentex develops products that are critical for public health and safety,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “We are pleased to partner with this company on an expansion project that will help protect our frontline workers as we continue to battle this pandemic.”