In 2003, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania invested $2.9 million to help DuPont expand and retain 600 employees to conduct research and product development.

Three years later, a new 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility has officially opened. The facility, which expects to create about 30 jobs, will manufacture pigmented films used to produce color filter components for LCD flat panel displays.

Additionally, DuPont’s fuel cell technology development program, which is supported by the state’s Opportunity Grant program, is moving forward in existing facilities in Towanda.

The Governor’s Action Team (GAT) offered the company a package of loans and grants, including a $2 million Opportunity Grant, a loan of up to $500,000 through the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and up to $400,000 in Customized Job Training funding.

In addition to the funds awarded through GAT, the company is also eligible to receive up to $15 million in funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Pennsylvania investments also means jobs will be retained at D&B and CONSOL Energy.

D&B, a global business information company, will stay in Pennsylvania and keep 750 jobs in the Lehigh Valley thanks to a $2 million state investment from GAT. The company is building a 180,000 square foot facility in Upper Saucon Township.

The $2 million incentive package includes a $1 million Opportunity Grant and $1 million in Customized Job Training funds. The company will be eligible for additional state funding if it expands further in the Lehigh Valley.

“By maintaining our presence in the Lehigh Valley area, we are minimizing disruption for our operations, customers and employees, while making continued contributions to the local economy as one of the area’s largest employers,” said Michael Pepe, president of D&B U.S.

Pennsylvania’s investment of $1.6 million will also help one of the country’s largest coal producers expand in Washington County, creating at least 476 jobs within three years, while retaining more than 2,700 jobs statewide.

GAT offered an investment package to CONSOL Energy that includes a $500,000 Opportunity Grant, $214,200 in Job Training Assistance funds and $952,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits.

The company plans to construct two office buildings of 300,000 square feet and 50,000 square feet.

“The construction of our new headquarters reflects both the optimism with which we view the energy business and our commitment to this area,” said J. Brett Harvey, president and CEO of CONSOL. “We expect our company to grow, and we believe that our growth will be an important driver in the growth of the region.”

Construction on both buildings is expected to begin this year, with targeted completion dates of 2008. The company’s expansion projects will cost about $50 million.

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