PA Gov. Ridge Announces 100 High-Tech Jobs for Philadelphia
28 July 2000
PA Gov. Ridge Announces 100 High-Tech Jobs for Philadelphia
Environment-Friendly Vehicles will Promote PA Tourism, Technology at GOP
National Convention Beginning This Weekend
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 28 Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge today
announced that Kronosport Inc., a manufacturer of hybrid-electric low-speed
utility vehicles, this fall will open a manufacturing facility in
Philadelphia, creating 100 new, high-tech jobs within three years. The
vehicles will be used at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia
beginning today.
The entrepreneurial startup company plans to lease a facility in
Philadelphia to produce electric-assisted quadricycles by this fall. This
will be Kronosport's first production facility in the United States.
"My Administration has worked hard over the last six years to promote job
creation, technology, tourism, environmental protection and even bicycling in
Pennsylvania," Gov. Ridge said. "It's not often we can accomplish all five at
one time, but we do through our partnership with Kronosport!"
Kronosport Inc., founded in 1997, is a manufacturer and marketer of
environment-friendly, human- and electric-powered utility vehicles.
Kronosport produces three types of vehicles: pedicabs; cargo vans; and
utility trucks. The company currently has six employees.
"Small business serves as the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy,
comprising 98 percent of all business activity in the Commonwealth," Gov.
Ridge said. "New startup businesses mean new jobs for Pennsylvania, as well
as new and innovative products and services. We congratulate Kronosport on
their growth and look forward to partnering with them on future job creation.
Small startup companies have the potential to join Pennsylvania's major
employers.
"And this project will allow a small business in the Philadelphia area to
realize economic benefits from the Republican National Convention."
The Department of Community and Economic Development is leasing
10 pedicabs and two cargo vans from Kronosport for use during the Republican
National Convention. The vehicles, manufactured by Kronosport in England, are
similar to the ones that will be made in Philadelphia.
The Department of Conservation and National Resources plans to purchase
two cargo vans for use in state parks.
"The Ridge Administration has been fully supportive of this new venture,"
said Edward Kron, President and CEO of Kronosport Inc. "These vehicles will
have a direct impact in helping to reduce pollution and will also help to
promote health and fitness."
The Governor's Action Team -- economic-development specialists who report
directly to Gov. Ridge -- worked with Kronosport to make this project a
reality. The Ridge Administration provided an economic-development package to
Kronosport Inc. that includes a $200,000 Opportunity Grant.
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners also awarded Kronosport a
$60,000 low-interest loan.
Under the Ridge Administration, Pennsylvania families and employers have
saved nearly $12.7 billion through tax cuts, workers' compensation reform,
electric competition and reduced red tape. These savings have helped to
create more than 350,000 new jobs.
The GOP Convention, Monday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 3 at the
state-of-the-art First Union Center in South Philadelphia, will attract more
than 45,000 participants, including delegates, alternates and their families;
political and governmental leaders; world diplomats; tourists; and more than
15,000 national and international media.
CONTACT: Tom Charles, Deputy Press Secretary of the Pennsylvania Office
of the Governor, 717-783-1116; or Evelyn Tatkovski of the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development, 717-783-1132.