HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is making a significant investment to bolster its economic landscape. The Commonwealth is injecting over $3 million into the expansion of C&J Industries, a leading plastics manufacturing company based in Meadville, Crawford County. Known for its diverse manufacturing capabilities across health care, technology, consumer, and transportation sectors, C&J Industries is set to use this investment as part of a larger $7 million expansion effort. This initiative will create at least 66 new full-time jobs and secure 262 existing positions within the company.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating, “Pennsylvania is the best state in the nation for companies to grow and succeed – companies like C&J Industries that were founded here and have found success know that better than anyone – and I’m proud that we’re investing in a Pennsylvania company to help them expand.” He further highlighted the administration’s commitment to fostering economic development, job creation, and innovation within the state. “We will continue to compete aggressively for projects like this one — and C&J Industries’ decision to continue growing in the Commonwealth sends a clear message that Pennsylvania is open for business.”
C&J Industries currently operates from two adjacent buildings at 760 Water Street, occupying 214,285 square feet. The company plans a 24,200-square-foot expansion of its manufacturing facility, which will include constructing an enclosed walkway to connect the buildings and acquiring new manufacturing equipment to enhance capacity and efficiency.
The financial backing includes a $3 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and a $60,000 workforce development grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support worker training. Rick Siger, DCED Secretary, remarked, “Manufacturing is one of the five key industries in our new Economic Development Strategy, and we’re going to continue to strengthen that sector by making strategic investments in companies like C&J Industries.” He acknowledged C&J’s long-standing presence in Crawford County, expressing enthusiasm for their future growth and contributions to the local economy.
C&J Industries plays a pivotal role in producing thermoplastic products for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across various sectors, including medical, pharmaceutical packaging, telecommunications, business machines, transportation, industrial, and consumer products.
Jerry Sargent, CEO of C&J Industries, expressed gratitude for the state’s support. “On behalf of our nearly 300 employees, we’re thrilled to receive this investment,” he said. “This commitment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will allow our employee-owned company and their families, and the community we have called home for 62 years, to continue to grow and thrive.”
The project coordination was managed by the Governor’s Action Team, a specialized group focused on economic development opportunities for businesses looking to locate or expand in Pennsylvania. Jim Becker, Executive Director of the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County, praised the Commonwealth’s investment, noting the substantial impact on the region. “The company is now able to expand their physical plant, hire over 60 new employees, and invest major dollars into machinery and equipment in order to meet customer demand. This project will have lasting impacts on Crawford County and the region.”
This strategic expansion aims to enhance Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector and solidifying the state’s economic future.
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