Published in the Times Leader, by Andrew M. Seder

February 13, 2014

The international food packaging company that will set up operations here later this year considered more than 200 locations across the United States before ultimately deciding to locate its United States headquarters in CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park West.

Claudia Haim, who handles media relations for Austrian-based Greiner Packaging Corp., said Greiner took months of research and discussions to consider 220 locations in seven states before Pittston Township was chosen.

The company plans to invest nearly $17 million in manufacturing, computer equipment, furniture and fixtures at the 113,871-square-foot site that will employ 128 and begin operations as early as the fourth quarter of this year.

“This is another prime example of state investment facilitating job creation – and it is another signal that our regional economy is finally beginning to the corner,” said state Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township. “I am thrilled that Griener, an international leader in their industry, has brought their investment, jobs and U.S. headquarters to Pittston Township.”

Willi Eibner, the CEO of Greiner Packaging International, noted that the location, available work force and access to interstates all played a role in choosing Pittston Township.

“About 40 percent of the U.S. population lives in the country’s northeast,” Eibner said. “This region is of great interest to the packaging industry because many milk processing establishments are located here.”

The company will produce cups and lids, as well as other convenience and sustainable items for the food industry at the plant, and will soon begin hiring for positions including IT, research and development, purchasing, engineers, logistics, sales representatives and machine operators.

Any new jobs are positive news for this area, which in December maintained its grip on the state’s highest unemployment rate for the 45th consecutive month. The jobless rate for the tri-county area including Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming was at 8.7 percent, the lowest it’s been since July 2009, when it was 8.6 percent, but still one of only two metro regions in the state with a rate in excess of 7.3 percent.

“With our regional unemployment still the highest in the state, it is wonderful to bring quality and family-sustaining jobs to the area,” noted state Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-Taylor. “To be the U.S. headquarters for this particular company will hopefully show other companies that NEPA is an attractive location for business – and it will lead to bigger and better things for our area.”

Lyndsay Kensinger, a spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development, said the average salary for all jobs will be $40,219.

“Pennsylvania has the best workforce in the world, and we are in a position to compete internationally for projects that bring jobs back to our Keystone State,” Gov. Tom Corbett said in an email. “This project sends a message to companies that, thanks our workforce, location, energy and innovation, Pennsylvania is open for business and built to advance. This is what helped land Greiner’s U.S. headquarters in Pittston.

(Andrew M. Seder, "Packaging company chose NEPA from 220 locations," 2/13/14)