July 26, 2023 Schless Bottles Expanding Operations in Lehigh Valley

The relocation is yet another example of how the Lehigh Valley positions itself as a hub for manufacturers in any sector.

Recently, Schless Bottles, a premium plastic jars and bottles manufacturer, has relocated and expanded its operations to Lehigh Valley, Pa. – investing $7.5 million into the region and creating nearly 100 new manufacturing jobs. This investment adds to the region’s growing $8.4 billion manufacturing sector.

“We welcome Schless Bottles to the Lehigh Valley,” said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. “They are a high-quality bottle manufacturer, and this relocation is another example of how the Lehigh Valley’s position as a leading distribution market on the East Coast drives manufacturing growth, making it the largest part of our economy.”  

The company chose to relocate to Pennsylvania as part of its much-needed expansion, as well as to take advantage of the region’s workforce and close proximity to major distribution markets. Here’s more on what the region has to offer:

• The region is well-positioned for continued growth thanks to the reduction of Pennsylvania’s corporate net income tax, as well as the availability of clean energy and existing labor supply. 
• In 2022, Lehigh Valley ranked among the Top 5 regions in the Northeast in terms of economic development projects completed in 2021 and No. 2 nationwide among regions with a population size between 200,000 and 1 million.
• In terms of accessibility, Lehigh Valley is a short drive (1.5 hours) from Philadelphia, New York City and Port of Bayonne, NJ – making it an ideal destination for product distribution and shipping of raw materials to be transformed into F&B products.  

In addition to the state funding to Schless, Allentown Economic Development Corporation is providing a $250,000 Enterprise Zone Loan to assist with the move to Allentown.

“Pennsylvania is a leader in manufacturing across different industries, and I’m thrilled to welcome Schless Bottles to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Thanks to this investment, Schless Bottles will create nearly 100 jobs here in Allentown, creating real opportunity for more hardworking Pennsylvanians and their families. Their decision to relocate to Pennsylvania and create jobs here in Lehigh Valley should send a clear message to businesses all across the country – Pennsylvania is open for business and my Administration is committed to helping businesses here grow and thrive.”

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