Northeastern Pennsylvania -
Jim Cummings views the continued influx of companies into the region as a "resurgence of manufacturing" in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Cummings, vice president of marketing for Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, pointed to the many firms that have leased space from the company since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joriki, a leading Canadian beverage manufacturer, leased a 403,000-square-foot building in CenterPoint East in Pittston Twp. to complement its three facilities within Canada.
Cardbox Packaging, an international producer of high quality and sophisticated folding carton packaging and paper cups, recently completed an 11,000-square-foot expansion to the previously 27,500 square feet it leases in CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park West in Pittston Twp.
Cardbox also has facilities in Austria, the Czech Republic and Serbia.
British manufacturer Wren Kitchens leases three spaces in Hanover Industrial Estates – including two from Mericle, a 252,000-square-foot production plant at 1070 Hanover St. in Hanover Twp. and a 10,046-square-foot office at 1110 Hanover St. in Sugar Notch.
American Paper Bag, a manufacturer of paper shopping bags and mailers, leased space at 1110 Hanover St. in Hanover Industrial Estates in 2018 and leased an additional 52,630 square feet in the same building in 2023 for a total of 94,824 square feet.
Nutrition 101 leased a 41,746-square-foot industrial building at 400 Stewart Road in Hanover Industrial Estates, Hanover Twp. The Indiana-based company has become a go-to partner for regional, national and global food manufacturers seeking end-to-end waste management solutions that reflect their own sustainability goals.
Logoplaste, which designs and manufactures rigid plastic packaging, previously leased a 108,000-square-foot building in Hanover Industrial Estates and recently expanded it by 72,000 square feet. The company also leases a 108,464-square-foot building in CenterPoint East.
American Flooring, a manufacturer of flooring products, leases a 310,000-square-foot building in CenterPoint East.
Olympia Chimney Supply Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, Copperfield Chimney and Olympia Chimney & Venting held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday at its new 198,400-square-foot manufacturing facility in CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park East.
"Thirty of the buildings Mericle has developed in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties house manufacturing companies," Cummings said. "Since 2020, we have seen a noticeable increase in inquiries from firms seeking manufacturing space in Northeastern Pennsylvania. COVID has probably played a role with companies wanting to get a better handle on their supply chains in the United States. Since January 1, 2020, Mericle has leased space to more than 20 manufacturers and manufacturing-related firms."
Cummings added manufacturers are drawn to the area because of the interstate system, proximity to the ports of New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia, affordable lease rates and taxes, and robust utility service.
"The fact that we have a wide variety of newly constructed buildings in business parks that have received LERTA approval has also been a major draw," he said.
Eric Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, also feels optimistic about the state of manufacturing in Northeast Pennsylvania.
"I think nationally we're seeing a little bit of a pause, but regionally we continue to get those business attraction wins through our local and regional economic development organizations like Penn's Northeast, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Can Do Greater Hazleton all working together to make sure our region remains relevant to the companies that want to grow," he said.
Esoda also believes the operational support companies receive in the region plays a role in attracting and retaining firms.
"I think that's one of our unique advantages," he said. "We understand the value of manufacturing as a driver of overall economic growth. We go out of our way to make sure they're comfortable here, they stay here and know they're appreciated. We make sure they're successful."
