FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 1, 2009   

Governor Rendell Says Regional Operations Center Will Bring 42 Jobs to Allegheny County

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that a national warehouse distribution network will construct its regional operations center in Findlay Township, Allegheny County, and create 42 jobs within three years.

Appliance Dealers Cooperative, a national warehouse buying group that benefits independent appliance retailers, will construct a 155,000-square-foot facility at Findlay Industrial Park. The building will serve as the company’s regional center for its warehousing and distribution operations.  The total project cost is $10.5 million.

“Despite today’s challenges, it’s important that we use all the tools at our disposal to move forward with projects that put Pennsylvanians to work and leverage private sector investment,” said Governor Rendell. “This job-creating project is a result of those efforts.”

Appliance Dealers Cooperative is a nonprofit warehouse distribution network that purchases major home appliances, consumer electronics, and other goods for its membership of 154 family-owned, independent appliance retailers. ADC purchases inventory in truckload quantities direct from manufacturers to get the best possible pricing and programs and then sells the goods to its members, as needed. 

“With the development of a Pittsburgh Regional Operations Center, ADC’s expansion into western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia will not only create jobs in Allegheny County, but will also help small, family-owned businesses survive and grow,” said Helene Siegel, ADC’s executive director and CEO. “We are particularly proud to celebrate our 21 years serving Pennsylvania’s independent retailers, and we have Governor Rendell and his economic development team to thank for making it possible, as well as the Allegheny County Economic Development team and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.”

The company’s project was coordinated through the Governor’s Action Team, economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state. Pennsylvania provided the company with a $2.14 million funding offer that includes a $50,000 opportunity grant, a $2 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, $15,570 in job training assistance and $70,000 in job creation tax credits.

Since Governor Rendell took office in 2003, GAT has successfully completed 1,133 projects, resulting in commitments to create 121,803 new jobs and retain 290,413 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $2.2 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $15.6 billion in additional investment.

For more information on Appliance Dealers Cooperative, visit www.PoweredByADC.com

For information on the Governor’s Action Team and DCED programs, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

CONTACT:   
Luke Webber (DCED)
717-783-1132

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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.  To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.