PA Governor Rendell Announces Seton Company to Expand Manufacturing Operations in Saxton

Jobs Could Have Gone Overseas, Company to Create 100 New Jobs in Bedford County

SAXTON, Pa., Aug. 9 -- PA Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that Seton Co. is consolidating its operations in Bedford County, creating 100 new jobs in the next three years that the company could have located overseas. A manufacturer of leather interior products for the automobile industry, Seton Co. also will retain 265 existing jobs at its Saxton facility.

"Pennsylvania aggressively sought to bring these jobs to Bedford County, jobs that could have gone overseas," Governor Rendell said. "Instead, the company is consolidating its operation in Saxton, retaining hundreds of existing manufacturing jobs and creating 100 new jobs for our skilled and experienced workforce.

"This is a victory for Pennsylvania's economic development program," Governor Rendell added. "This project is another example of our commitment to support economic growth of our businesses and the success of our communities."

Seton is relocating its New Jersey operations to Saxton. Its expansion project includes the relocation of existing machinery, purchasing new machinery and support equipment, renovation of the existing finishing facility in Saxton and construction of an approximately 6,000-square-foot addition.

"This project will result in the preservation and addition of jobs and economic development for Saxton and Bedford County," said Robert DeMajistre, president of Seton Co. "It is also a model for bi-partisan government action and business cooperation. As citizens of this commonwealth we must be proud to have public servants that are effective leaders and focused on providing a better life for all of us."

The Governor's Action Team, economic-development professionals who report directly to Governor Rendell, worked with Seton on its expansion project. DCED has offered the company a financial package totaling $550,000 that includes a $400,000 Opportunity Grant and $150,000 in Job Training Assistance.

The Saxton Borough Municipal Authority also received a $1.25 million grant through the Infrastructure Development Program (IDP) and a total of $3.14 million through the PennWorks program. The borough will use the funds to upgrade the water/sewer pre-treatment facility which will benefit Seton and the surrounding community.

IDP provides grants and low-interest loans up to $1.25 million for public and private infrastructure improvements necessary to complement eligible capital investment by private companies and developers. Funds for eligible projects are used for the construction or rehabilitation of roads, sidewalks, parking facilities, bridges, rails, ports, and airports. Funds can also be used for the clearing and preparation of land, environmental remediation, and water and sewer system upgrades.

The $200 million Water Supply and Wastewater Infrastructure Program, or PennWorks, was established in 2004 and provides single-year or multi-year grants and loans to municipalities and municipal authorities, industrial development corporations and investor-owned water or wastewater enterprises for projects that construct, expand or improve water and wastewater infrastructure related to economic development. PennWorks is a vital component of Rendell's economic-stimulus package.

The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) also worked with Seton and the Saxton Borough Municipal Authority to secure state and federal funds for the expansion project.

"This project is the culmination of 18 months of hard work," said Bette Slayton, president, BCDA. "We truly appreciate the state's commitment to making this happen. It was wonderful to have Governor Rendell so personally involved with the project every step of the way."

Created in 1906, Seton has 18 facilities on five continents. The Saxton facility was established in 1975.

For information on the Governor's Action Team and other DCED funding, visit http://www.newpa.com/ or call 1-866-GONEWPA (1-866-466-3972).

  To learn more about Seton Co., visit http://www.setonco.com/.
   
   CONTACT:  Kate Philips
   717-783-1116