Pennsylvania has secured a $142.2-million investment from First Quality Retail Services LLC, which plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Mifflin County, said Gov. Josh Shapiro on Nov. 13.
“Pennsylvania offers an exceptionally skilled workforce, strategic location, and the resources for growing businesses to thrive and today’s announcement proves it yet again,” Shapiro said. “My administration is committed to making our commonwealth the best place in the nation to do business and we’ll continue making bold, strategic investments that strengthen our economy and deliver real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.”
The project will create 91 new jobs over three years and retain 2,441 existing positions by First Quality and its affiliates statewide.
First Quality, which manufactures everyday essential items for personal and household care, will add four production lines to its facility located on Locust Road in Lewistown, Pa., to meet increased demand for its products.
First Quality received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $110,000 WEDnetPA grant to train its workers.
“First Quality has been a mainstay and major employer in Pennsylvania for well over three decades now and the Shapiro administration is thrilled to see their continued investment in our commonwealth,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “First Quality’s expansion will further strengthen Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry and create new jobs for our workers ― a true win-win.”
First Quality began in Pennsylvania in 1989 as a manufacturer of adult incontinence products for the healthcare industry at its first location in McElhattan, Pa., and since then, has grown to become a leader in both health care and retail across North America, expanding product offerings to include baby wipes and feminine hygiene, incontinence, and other household products
“First Quality is thrilled to be expanding our adult incontinence manufacturing capacity in Lewistown,” said Allen Bodford, president of First Quality Absorbent Hygiene Division. “We thank Gov. Shapiro, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation for their continued support. We also want to thank our dedicated team in Lewistown for their continued dedication to the company and to making a quality product for our customers.”
The project was coordinated by Shapiro’s BusinessPA team, an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pennsylvania through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources, according to the governor’s office.