O’HARA TOWNSHIP, Pa. \u2014 Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $42 million expansion project by nutritional snack food manufacturer Tandem Foods in Allegheny County. The project will create 83 new jobs and retain 446 existing full-time positions over the next three years.<\/p>\n
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is supporting the expansion with a $420,000 Pennsylvania First grant administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Tandem Foods chose to expand its operations in Pennsylvania over competing sites in California.<\/p>\n
Tandem Foods currently leases three facilities in O\u2019Hara Township, where the company maintains its corporate headquarters. As part of the expansion, the company will lease an additional 79,000 square feet at 615 Alpha Drive to install a dedicated production line for cold form bar manufacturing.<\/p>\n
Michael Buick serves as chief executive officer of Tandem Foods. The contract manufacturer operates eight facilities across the country, producing cold-slab bars and chocolate items for consumer-packaged goods companies and entrepreneurial brands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe installation of our new cold-form line represents the single largest investment in Tandem Foods\u2019 40-year history and is a direct response to the sustained growth of our strategic partners and the exciting pipeline of new business we\u2019re developing,\u201d Buick said. \u201cWe\u2019re excited to make this investment in Pennsylvania, leveraging the skilled manufacturing workforce that we\u2019ve relied on for years and with the support of Gov. Shapiro and DCED.\u201d<\/p>\n
The state funding proposal was coordinated through the Governor\u2019s BusinessPA team. Gov. Shapiro pointed to the regional impact of the business growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery investment we secure means new jobs, stronger local economies and more opportunity for Pennsylvanians. With Tandem Foods choosing Pittsburgh, more people across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region will benefit,\u201d Shapiro said. \u201cMy Administration will continue making smart, strategic investments to help companies grow right here in the Commonwealth, because when businesses choose Pennsylvania, our workers and communities win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rick Siger serves as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Siger emphasized the role of the local labor pool and business environment in securing the development.<\/p>\n
\u201cTandem Foods\u2019 decision to expand its operations here in Pennsylvania is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing workforce, business climate and supply chain,\u201d Siger said. \u201cThis investment will create 83 new jobs and retain hundreds of good-paying positions in Allegheny County, while helping a growing Pennsylvania company expand its footprint and compete in the global food manufacturing industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Russell Redding serves as Pennsylvania agriculture secretary. Redding highlighted the state\u2019s economic development plan focused on agricultural processing.<\/p>\n
\u201cGov. Shapiro placed agriculture at the center of the state\u2019s economic development strategy and that vision is spurring companies like Tandem Foods to bring innovation, investment and jobs to the Commonwealth,\u201d Redding said. \u201cA strong food manufacturing sector makes Pennsylvania a place where farms and agriculture businesses can grow and succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sara Innamorato serves as Allegheny County executive. Innamorato noted the competitive selection between states for the project site.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank the Shapiro administration for continuing to invest in Allegheny County manufacturers and thank Tandem Foods for choosing Pittsburgh over California for this expansion,\u201d Innamorato said. \u201cWhen we compete, we win. Our workforce is the best in the country and I look forward to Tandem adding more employees in Allegheny County.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expansion and installation of the new manufacturing line at 615 Alpha Drive will take place as Tandem Foods fills the 83 new positions over the next three years.<\/p>\n
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