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Other Moves Around Pennsylvania

While companies continue to pour investment dollars into facilities in the major markets of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, they're by no means the only hot spots in the state.

CIGNA HealthCare plans to build a high-tech, national health-care service center in Moosic, Lackawanna County, that will create 1,200 jobs in customer service and claims processing. Construction of the 160,000-sq.-ft. (14,900-sq.-m.) facility should be complete by September 2001.

"With the help of Gov. Ridge, his Action Team and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, we have been able to create a plan that will not only allow us to continue providing our customers with access to the high-quality care they deserve, but also to be a committed partner in creating a positive and measurable impact on the economy of this region," says CIGNA Corp. President and COO Ed Hanway. The state provided a $5.45 million assistance package including an Opportunity Grant, Job Creation Tax Credits, Customized Job Training Funds and Enterprise Zone Tax Credits.

In nearby Benton Township, just north of Scranton, Corning's new photonic module manufacturing plant will create about 1,000 jobs during the next year. "I want to thank Gov. Ridge for his personal commitment and assistance," says Corning Chairman and CEO Roger S. Ackerman. "His leadership and strong desire to secure a bright future for the state of Pennsylvania and its citizens, coupled with the progressive business environment he has cultivated here, have made it possible for this announcement."

In the northwestern part of the state, West TeleServices is opening a customer-contact center in Erie, tapping a former department store. The facility will employ almost 1,200. "In particular, we would like to recognize the efforts and hard work put forth by Gov. Ridge and his Action Team in facilitating West's expansion into the Erie area," says Mark Levin, president of the firm's Operator's Teleservices Division. "West is extremely impressed with the pro-business approach from the Erie Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corp. toward new business development."

In central Pennsylvania, Hershey Foods is building a 1.2 million-sq.-ft. (111,500-sq.-m.) distribution center on a site that falls into both Dauphin and Lebanon counties. The state is providing an incentives package of $1.1 million in grants, as well as several million dollars in highway improvements, to attract the $50 million, 500-employee facility.

Other large distribution moves include Toysrus.com's decision to locate a 700,000-sq.-ft. (65,000-sq.-m.) facility in Chambersburg, Franklin County. The leading Internet retailer of children's toys says its new operation will employ about 350. "We are making a long-term commitment to creating the best possible customer experience," company COO Jonathan Foster says. "Our new Chambersburg facility will be a great resource in helping us meet our distribution and shipping needs as we grow in the future."

Leading door and window manufacturer Pella Corp. has broken ground on a 600,000-sq.-ft. (55,740-sq.-m.) plant in Gettysburg that will create about 400 jobs. "Pella Corp. waited 75 years to expand beyond their home state of Iowa," Gov. Ridge says. "And when they did, they chose Pennsylvania. Our world-class work force and job-friendly climate offer the kind of opportunities that employers like Pella need to grow and to create good jobs." SS

Expansion mode: Pittsburgh transit systems manufacturer ADtranz is running three shifts, and it just added a new 200-employee facility adjacent to this modern, high-tech operation.