Area Development
Edge Rubber, a firm that produces fine rubber powders for the automotive, tire manufacturing and other industries, is expanding its facilities in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, leasing a 35,000 square foot center at Cumberland Valley Business Park, for the collection and processing of scrap truck tires into raw materials.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, materials from the business park site will be sent to the company’s Chambersburg plant for processing. The expansion will support the company’s existing facility, retain 60 jobs and create more than 50 jobs within three years.

“My administration is committed to creating an economic environment that encourages our businesses to grow and enables Pennsylvania to compete for job creating projects,” Gov. Tom Corbett said. “Our support of Edge Rubber’s expansion in Franklin County will sustain continued growth, new jobs and success for years to come.”

“Working together with the Franklin County Area Development Corporation and Governor Corbett’s Action Team has made our expansion a reality,” Sam Kauffman, vice president and chief operating officer at Edge Rubber said. “This development will allow us to continue to grow, provide secure jobs and enjoy sustained success in Chambersburg, Franklin County and Pennsylvania for many years to come.”

As an incentive, the company received a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development including a $50,000 Guaranteed Free Training grant for basic skills level training for both existing and incumbent employees. A $1.5 million, 10-year, low-interest loan at 1.5 percent from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund was also included. The project is located in an existing Keystone Opportunity Zone with makes it eligible for tax incentives.

According to Mike Ross, Franklin County Area Development Corporation president said, “the expansion of Edge Rubber stands to have a significant economic impact in terms of both capital investment and more importantly job creation. The creation of 50 family sustaining jobs will have a multiplier effect that will benefit the greater community.”