State Senator Pat Stefano today announced a $1 million dollar state grant which will be used as part of a $2.3 million expansion plan at DeVilbiss Healthcare’s Somerset, PA facility.
Senator Stefano celebrated the grant saying “I am always proud when new, family sustaining jobs can be created by our employers. I see this project as a perfect opportunity for partnership between the Commonwealth and a terrific job creator in DeVilbiss. This investment by the Commonwealth, matched by DeVilbiss’ investment, will pay dividends for taxpayers for years to come.”
Tim Walsh, Sr. Vice President of Finance for DeVilbiss Healthcare hailed the announcement saying, “I’d like to thank Senator Stefano, Representative Metzgar and Governor Wolf for believing in this project. Our over 300, and growing, employees will benefit by a better facility to work in and our region will benefit by the addition of good jobs because of this grant. DeVilbiss is proud of the products we make here and proud that we can continue to grow right here in Somerset County.”
Stefano concluded, “This is a win-win for Somerset County. Not only do we celebrate new jobs and new growth for one of our employers, but it is a clear sign to other job creators looking for somewhere to start or expand their business. DeVilbiss’ commitment to Somerset County shown by this investment demonstrates clearly that Somerset county is open for business and has the kind of workforce necessary to make manufacturing happen right here in our own back yard.”
DeVilbiss Healthcare is a worldwide leader in the design, marketing and manufacturing of respiratory medical products. DeVilbiss currently employs 300 plus people at their Somerset County facilities. They have added 75 jobs in the last two years and they continue to expand this year. Their products are sold in over 100 countries around the world.
DeVilbiss’ facilities, built in 1951, 1964 and 1975, are in need of repair, such as the 152,000 sf facility’s roof replacement project. The construction funded by this grant and the overall project will make those repairs and create significant savings in energy costs and facilitate better utilization of space. All told, between jobs created at DeVilbiss and its suppliers and the construction jobs, this project is projected to create 110 jobs generating $800,000 in tax revenue back to the Commonwealth, more than paying for itself in less than 2 years.
The state funding comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program (RACP) program. RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
CONTACT: Ben Wren (717) 787-7175