Advertisement
Almac Group, which is based in Northern Ireland, will create at least 262 new jobs within three years, including software development and laboratory specialists, and retain 495 existing Pennsylvania positions.
Advertisement
"When a company like Almac chooses Pennsylvania as its North American headquarters, it confirms our status as a global leader in the biosciences," Governor Rendell said. "We already have some of the world's most dynamic companies and talented researchers working here in Pennsylvania. Today's announcement means even more of these highly sought-after people and companies will be working here, inventing new and innovative products and industries that haven't even been thought of yet.
Almac's expansion will be completed in several phases. Initially, the company will combine its two Pennsylvania divisions located in Audubon, Montgomery County, and Yardley, Bucks County, into a new 240,000-square-foot building in Lower Salford Township. Construction will begin in 2008, with the facility expected to be fully operationally by 2010. The company said it anticipates future expansion at its new headquarters site will create more than 400 new jobs by 2013.
"We are proud to announce the location of our new U.S. headquarters here in Pennsylvania," said Sir Allen McClay, Almac Group chairman. "Almac is a Northern Ireland company headquartered in County Armagh. We have come a long way and are now a global business, a global family, and our presence here today demonstrates that the economic relationship between our two countries is not a one way street. I am delighted that Almac is at the center of this important relationship.
"We have had operations in the state over the last decade and have always been able to recruit excellent employees who have proven to be an important part of the Almac family. Our positive experience to date in Pennsylvania -- especially the availability of a skilled and committed workforce -- was a major factor in this decision, as was the support we have received from Governor Rendell. The future for Almac in the U.S., in Ireland and across the globe is very exciting and this new facility will strengthen our presence and quality service to our clients in the U.S."
Almac worked with the Montgomery County IDC and local officials to secure a $9.03 million funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including: a $4.5 million grant through the infrastructure and facilities improvement program that will be disbursed over 10 years; a $2 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan; a $1.25 million grant through the infrastructure development program; a $400,000 opportunity grant; $100,000 in customized job training funds; and $786,000 in job creation tax credits.
The company is also eligible to apply for a $10 million loan through the Citizens Job Bank program, which offers low-interest loans to companies that commit to creating or expanding jobs in Pennsylvania.
"The Almac Group has been a great corporate neighbor for more than 15 years and we are delighted they are expanding here in Montgomery County," said Carmen Italia, president of the Montgomery County IDC. "Today's announcement was possible because of the partnerships that exist between state, county and local officials."
Almac's project was coordinated through the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
Statewide since Janu
