On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced photonics technology company Excelitas Technologies Corp., will move its headquarters to Pittsburgh in the coming year.
Officials said Excelitas will move from Waltham, MA, and has committed to a 12-year lease for the 46,000 to 50,000-square-foot space at 2545 Railroad Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Excelitas will invest $2.3 million and retain at least 20 jobs in Pennsylvania. The company has committed to creating at least 250 jobs in Pittsburgh over the next four years.
“Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania region have developed a significant high-technology presence, combined with a strong work ethic and an engaged state and local leadership who understand the value of job creation,” Ron Keating, Excelitas Technologies’ CEO, said. “These factors provided attractive competitive differentiators when we undertook our site selection process.”
Shapiro said his administration had been directly courting Excelitas and was able to win out over Ohio for the company’s relocation decision.
“For the past year, I’ve been telling the world that Pennsylvania is open for business ― and Excelitas clearly agrees,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “We are competitive as hell, and today’s announcement that Excelitas chose Pennsylvania over Ohio is a huge win for Pittsburgh and our entire Commonwealth. Excelitas is a leading player in a growing field and their presence in Pittsburgh will not only create jobs and real opportunity for Pennsylvanians, but it sends a clear signal that Western Pennsylvania is a national hub for life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and more.”
Excelitas received a $2.3 million Pennsylvania First grant as part of its funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCEC). Additionally, the company is encouraged to apply for Research and Development tax credits, officials said.
“Pennsylvania will be a leader in innovation, job creation and economic development, and having Excelitas move their headquarters here checks all of those boxes,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said. “I’m thrilled that the Shapiro Administration could help bring an innovative, advanced technology company like Excelitas to the Commonwealth.”