East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., a manufacturer of lead-acid batteries and accessories for the automotive, commercial, marine, motive power, UPS, and telecommunication markets, will invest more than $50 million to construct a 458,000 square foot battery manufacturing plant in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

The firm will expand its operations to produce batteries that will accommodate the company’s growth in strategic areas and markets. The expansion will result in the purchase of new equipment and employee training, while creating 400 new jobs within the next three years.

“Cooperation from the commonwealth demonstrates a strong commitment by the state government toward making Pennsylvania an economic leader. The expansion of this facility will help us continue to create jobs in Pennsylvania. This support also has a positive impact on the community, our suppliers, and the many customers we serve,” Dan Langdon, President of East Penn said.”

“My administration is committed to enacting policies that encourage employers like East Penn Manufacturing to continue growing and creating jobs in Pennsylvania,” Tom Corbett said. “As a result of our commitment, East Penn Manufacturing will add 400 jobs to the more than 6,000 they already employ in the commonwealth.”

The company received a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development including a $500,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant, $800,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits, $180,000 in Guaranteed Free Training, and a $5,000,000 in a 10-year low-interest loan at 1.5 percent from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority will provide a $6 million, 15-year low-interest loan at 1.5 percent to the Greater Berks Development Fund on behalf of East Penn.

“East Penn is a successful and entrepreneurial manufacturing company investing locally, adding more than 400 sustainable jobs,” Edward J. Swoyer Jr., President of the Greater Berks Development Fund said. “I couldn’t think of a better investment that aligns with the goals of the state’s and the county’s economic development programs.”