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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Shearer’s Foods Expands Waterford, Pennsylvania, Operations

09/21/2021
Snack manufacturer Shearer’s Foods will expand its operations with a production center in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The project is expected to create dozens of new jobs in Erie County.

The company will expand its existing Waterford facility to include a new product line for its snack foods processing operation and will add a baked line to support increased product demand.

“We are very excited for this high priority and strategic project and the opportunity to significantly expand our Pennsylvania operations. We are also extremely appreciative for the meaningful support and commitment from Governor Wolf, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Erie County Redevelopment Authority,” said Fritz Kohmann, Shearer’s CFO. “Our Waterford operation has been a great success story, thanks to the strength of our Waterford team members and, in no small part, the support from the State and County.”

The company received a funding proposal as an incentive from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for $1.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding and a $135,000 workforce development grant to help the company train workers. The company has committed to investing approximately $27.5 million in construction, new equipment and infrastructure improvements, and creating at least 36 new food manufacturing jobs and retaining 175 jobs.

“We in Pennsylvania know that our commonwealth is the best place to live and do business, and Shearer’s decision to grow here in Erie is a testament to our great quality of life and friendly business climate,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “We look forward to seeing the new opportunities presented to northwest Pennsylvania as Shearer’s expands, creates jobs, and better serves its growing customer base.”

Headquartered in Ohio, Shearer’s Foods is a contract manufacturer and private brand supplier for salty snacks, cookies, and crackers in 11 production facilities in the US and Canada. The company is known for producing organic, gluten free, non-GMO and kosher products.

“Shearer’s commitment to Erie through this expansion and the jobs provided is so important to our community,” said Tina Mengine, CEO, Erie County Redevelopment Authority. “The governor and his team have consistently been good economic development partners and we are equally appreciative of their investment in Shearer’s as we are of Shearer’s investment in Erie.”

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