PA: Whitehall Specialties to Open New Lawrence County Facility, Hire 80

Governor Tom Wolf announced Whitehall Specialties, a world leader in the custom non-standardized and processed cheese category, will establish a new facility in Lawrence County, a move that will create 80 new full-time jobs.

“The acquisition and reuse of the existing facility is a great opportunity for both Whitehall and the community,” Governor Wolf said. “In addition to serving as a strong location for the company, with access to many of the commonwealth’s resources – from customer base proximity to a highly qualified workforce, it will also create jobs for the region’s residents, and support Pennsylvania’s growing economy.”

Whitehall has purchased the former Castle Cheese facility in Slippery Rock Township. The company has reopened the 81,400 square-foot facility, expanding its manufacturing capacity for non-standardized and processed cheese products. Whitehall will invest at least $3,196,000 in the project, and has committed to creating 80 new, full-time jobs within three years.

Whitehall received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $200,000 Pennsylvania First grant, $80,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs, and $36,000 in WEDnetPA funding for employee training. The company has also been encouraged to apply for a $1.2 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.

“The expansive facilities and access to an ample, skilled workforce are ideally suited to support our future growth plans,” said Karl Kramer, president and CEO of Whitehall Specialties. “Additionally, its location will enable us to better service our customers in the eastern U.S. while allowing for increased flexibility and capacity throughout our four-plant network. Finally, the support we have received from the Governor’s Action Team has been instrumental in getting this project off on the right foot.”

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

Established in 1994, Whitehall Specialties is a world leader in the custom non-standardized and processed cheese category, producing a broad line of substitute, imitation, blends, and cheese products sold across the United States and in more than 30 countries worldwide.

For more information about Whitehall Specialties, visit whitehall-specialities.com. For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or DCED visit dced.pa.gov.