Edward Marc Brands, Inc., a manufacturer of gourmet chocolates, will invest more than $2.5 million to expand operations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and create 51 jobs in Allegheny County.

A premium, boutique-style chocolatier founded by the Edwards family in 1914 and now in its fourth generation of confectionary production, Edward Marc Brands has entered into a lease of a 50,000-square-foot space in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. The expansion will support the newly launched line of confections called, Snappers, a gourmet sweet snack made with pretzels, caramel and chocolate.

Edward Marc received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, including a $100,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant that facilitates investment and job creation, $51,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits and $22,950 grant for WEDnetPA that will be used to train the expanding workforce. In addition the company was approved to receive a $500,000 loan from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund.

“Our family business is built upon innovation and the dedication of hardworking Americans. We are honored to be recognized as a leader in job creation and food manufacturing in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Chris Edwards, CEO. “Pennsylvania is the keystone of American manufacturing, and by partnering with companies like Edward Marc Brands, we are promoting the growth of this job-sustaining industry,” Governor Tom Corbett said. “I am pleased that we are helping fourth generation chocolate manufacturers grow where the family tradition started: right here in Pennsylvania.”