Great Dane expanding Northumberland facility

Great Dane, a manufacturer of high-performance commercial transportation equipment, plans to invest more than $3.5 million to expand its existing trailer manufacturing operations in Elysburg, Northumberland County.

Expansion will allow for additional production capacity and storage space to meet the increased demand for the company’s products, including dry and refrigerated trailers and truck bodies. The company will purchase a neighboring property to expand its trailer parking capacity. It also has added a second production shift.

The goods mobility industry has accelerated rapidly because of the e-commerce boom.

Expansion will create more than 200 jobs over the next three years and retain 420 positions at the company’s other three Pennsylvania locations.

“As a transportation industry leader, Great Dane is committed to investing in its workforce, and the communities we call home,” Axel Gros, Great Dane VP of manufacturing, said. “We are proud to create more jobs in Pennsylvania, while meeting the growing needs of American industries.”

The Department of Community and Economic Development submitted a funding proposal for a $180,000 workforce development grant to help the company train workers and a $260,000 Pennsylvania First grant.

Chicago-based Great Dane was founded in 1900. It operates 11 manufacturing plants nationwide and has additional corporate offices in Georgia.