Area Development
Berk Wiper International, a manufacturer of disposable wiping cloths, plans a $3.28 million facility expansion that is projected to support the creation of 29 jobs and the retention of 28 positions in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The firm will acquire and renovate an existing 275,600-square-foot facility in Boyertown Borough, Pennsylvania.

“I’d like to thank Governor Corbett, PIDA and the Greater Berks Development Fund for all of their hard work and support during this process,” said Larry Berk, CEO of Berk Wiper International.

“My administration is committed to putting Pennsylvanians back to work by partnering with employers throughout the state that are growing and creating jobs,” Corbett Tom said. “This is the second jobs announcement in Berks County this month, bringing nearly 60 jobs to the region.”

The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority will provide a $1,956,000, 15-year, low-interest loan at 1.5 percent to the Greater Berks Development Fund to assist Berk Wiper International with its expansion plans.

“Keeping a commitment to maintain fiscal stability and enact pro-growth policies has sent a strong message that Pennsylvania is serious about job creation,” Corbett added. “As a result, more than 125,000 private sector jobs have been created and our labor force has grown by 100,000 to more than 6.5 million.”

In 2013, PIDA has approved $40.6 million in low-interest loans that have resulted in $70.3 million in private investment and supported 9,500 jobs. PIDA provides capital for building acquisition, construction and renovation work, primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.