Cranberry Township, Pa. — IPEG Inc., which owns auxiliary equipment makers Conair Group and Thermal Care Inc., is moving its Republic Machine Inc. single-shaft shredder manufacturing operation, and its 35 jobs, to the IPEG plant in Franklin, Pa.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced the news Feb. 29. Republic Machine is moving to the Keystone State from Louisville, Ky.
In addition to the new Pennsylvania jobs at Republic Machine, IPEG will retain 234 existing jobs in the state over the next three years, the governor's office said.
The state Department of Community and Economic Development has approved a $100,000 Pennsylvania First grant, $70,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed when the new jobs are created, and an employee training grant of $15,750.
IPEG, along with Conair, is based in Cranberry Township near Pittsburgh.
IPEG bought Republic Machine in 2013.
According to the governor's office, IPEG plans to invest more than $1.4 million in the relocation and expansion project, which includes improvements to the Franklin building and purchasing new manufacturing equipment.
“We have ambitious growth plans for IPEG over the next 10-15 years and are presently investing significant capital to support these plans,” said Chris Keller, IPEG's CEO, in a prepared statement. “While a global business, we are proud of our western Pennsylvania roots. We are excited to be making this commitment to retain and grow our Pennsylvania-based workforce, and deeply appreciate the state's support of our efforts.”
IPEG employs more than 500 people worldwide.