Voltaix to construct manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania

BRANCHBURG, USA: Voltaix, LLC, a leading provider of materials that enhance the performance of semiconductor chips and solar cells, plans to open a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Voltaix, LLC will construct the plant at the Portland Industrial Park in Upper Mt. Bethel Township. Plant construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year with operations beginning in 2011.

"This purpose-built facility in the Portland Industrial Park represents a major milestone for Voltaix. It positions us well to execute on technical and strategic initiatives in several high growth markets, and to provide our customers with higher capacity and improved redundancy," said Mark Wilkinson, Executive Vice President of Voltaix LLC.

"We look forward to working closely with the local communities as we establish and grow our manufacturing capabilities in Pennsylvania. We truly appreciate the assistance of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, the Governor's Action Team, Northampton County, the Bangor Area School District Economic Development Authority, and other local officials in siting, permitting, and financing this facility."

"Voltaix's decision to move to Pennsylvania shows that our economic development programs continue to work," said Governor Rendell. "The jobs created over the next three years will offer great salaries. The township, county and state will also benefit from the company's presence here."

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation worked with Voltaix and the Governor's Action Team to secure a $2,764,000 funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the project. The offer includes a $250,000 opportunity grant, a $1,855,000 loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, a $500,000 loan from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund, $106,000 in job training assistance and $53,000 in job creation tax credits.

"This company is an incredibly valuable addition to the Lehigh Valley region, and specifically for Portland Borough in Northampton County," said Phil Mitman, president and CEO of the LVEDC. "Voltaix is bringing high-quality, family sustaining jobs in a key manufacturing industry to our region. LVEDC was proud to collaborate on this project with the Governor's Action Team, Northampton County, the Bangor Area School District Economic Development Authority, and our other local partners."