Rite Aid Corp. recently announced major expansion plans in south central Pennsylvania that will create 350 corporate jobs over the next three years. The company’s expansion plans coincide with its planned acquisition of the Brooks and Eckerd pharmacy chains, making Rite Aid the largest pharmacy chain on the East Coast.

The state of Pennsylvania is offering Rite Aid an incentive package totaling $1.45 million, which was leveraged to secure the $11.2 million project.

The project calls for expanding Rite Aid’s data storage and other centralized functions at locations in East Pennsboro, Hampden and Lower Allen townships in Cumberland County; and its Finance Group operations in Newberry Township, York County.

The company will also make new investments in associate training programs as part of its Brooks/Eckerd acquisition.

The funding offer provided to Rite Aid Corporation by DCED includes a grant of up to $500,000 through the Opportunity Grant Program, up to $250,000 in Customized Job Training funds, and up to $700,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits.

The company is also eligible to apply for a $6 million loan through the Citizens Job Bank program, which offers low-interest-rate loans to companies that commit to creating or expanding jobs in Pennsylvania.

The expansion project, which will also retain 1,400 existing Rite Aid headquarters employees, was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team. The GAT is comprised of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. The team works with domestic and international businesses and professional site consultants on projects possessing significant investment and job creation opportunities.

“We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Rendell, Secretary Yablonsky and the Commonwealth to help Rite Aid grow to approximately 5,000 stores, strengthen our position as the third largest national drugstore chain and become the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast,” said Mary Sammons, Rite Aid president and CEO. “They are investing in the future of our company and the future of our associates as well as the economic future of our state. These grants are continued evidence of their commitment to Pennsylvania business, providing local jobs and improving our communities.”

Rite Aid Corp. is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of $17.3 billion and more than 3,300 stores in 27 states and the District of Columbia, including 350 stores in Pennsylvania.

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