CAN DO’s partnership with the Governor’s Action Team assisted Highwood USA in obtaining financial incentives for the company’s expansion into Hazleton. Highwood USA has purchased the 146,000 square-foot building at 64 N Conahan Drive in Hazleton to house its fabrication and supply-chain units.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said, “This expansion represents more than just the creation of 58 family-sustaining jobs in Hazleton. It also signals the growth and evolution of manufacturing in the commonwealth. Since day one, my administration has been focused on building our manufacturing sector, and Highwood’s expansion shows that Pennsylvania manufacturing is strong – and only growing stronger.”
Highwood, which produces synthetic materials for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) projects and outdoor furniture, currently operates locally out of its headquarters in Rush Township, Schuylkill County. A total of 190 jobs, including the 58 new jobs, will be created or retained over the next three years as a result of the project.
“We are thrilled to add a second location so close to our current production facility,” John Quarmley, CEO of Highwood, said. “With the support of Governor Wolf and the Department of Community and Economic Development, we can stay in Pennsylvania and retain all the fantastic and dedicated employees who build our outdoor furniture. With the state’s assistance, Highwood won’t miss a beat during the ramp-up of this new plant, and we will continue to draw on our neighborhood for more skilled people as we grow our business.”
Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development gave Highwood funding incentives a Pennsylvania First grant as well as Job Creation Tax Credits that will be distributed once the new jobs are created. Highwood plans to invest at least $7.4 million into the expansion project, which includes purchasing and renovating the new building in Hazleton and upgrading its current facility in Schuylkill County.
CAN DO President and CEO Kevin O’Donnell said, “CAN DO is proud to have played a role in assisting Highwood in locating to Greater Hazleton, but specifically, being able to work with the city to help drive economic growth at this time is especially rewarding.”
