Palram, which opened its Lehigh Valley production facility just over a decade ago with 15 workers, now employs more than 200 people at its plant outside of Kutztown. And the manufacturer of plastic sheets is poised to grow again later this year.
Plastics made by the Israeli company are used for a wide variety of applications, including roofing panels, door canopies and hurricane shutters. Mike Howser, general manager of the Lehigh Valley location, says that about six years ago it began making flat polycarbonate products that are used to make bulletproof windows, protective covers for machines and other uses.The plant is planning to add another production line for these products, which should start running early next year. The $3.6 million project, partially funded by $198,000 in state aid, is expected to add at least 40 more jobs in Kutztown over the next three years. Howser says the new hires will start coming later this year.
“We like nothing better than adding manufacturing jobs in the U.S.,” he says.
Howser adds that the Lehigh Valley facility has room for more production lines to be added as opportunities present themselves.
Source: Mike Howser, Palram Americas
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen