Gov. Ed Rendell recently announced a $3.3 million investment in the expansion of PennSummit Tubular’s steel manufacturing operations in West Hazleton. The state’s investment in PennSummit Tubular, a leading manufacturer of steel poles for the nation's wireless communications, electric utility and lighting industries, is supporting more than $4.7 million in private sector investment.

The $3.27 million financial package offered to PennSummit through the Governor’s Action Team will help the company expand its facility by 70,000 square feet. The company is the only pole manufacturer in the northeastern United States and is strategically located to provide the wind towers for the planned construction of wind farms in the region.

“With the support of Governor Rendell, our local government and the CANDO organization, we are able to facilitate this $8 million expansion,” said PennSummit Tubular President Rajendra Pawar. “This expansion will allow us to meet the demands of our customers, to compete with major corporations in other areas of the country, and to stay on the cutting edge of technology in the design and manufacturing of steel poles.”

The Department of Community and Economic Development and GAT offered PennSummit Tubular a $3.27 million financial package that includes a $1.32 million PIDA loan, $100,000 Opportunity Grant, $189,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits, $90,000 in Job Training Assistance, and $1.57 million through the Citizens Job Bank.