State Loans Announced for First Quality Tissue Expansion


HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, Wednesday announced that First Quality Tissue, LLC was awarded two loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Hanna said the state will invest nearly $6.3 million to help spur statewide business development in five counties. For First Quality Tissue, this funding allows the company to retain 508 full-time employees and add an additional 184 full-time positions.

“This is huge for First Quality Tissue and Clinton County as a whole,” Hanna said. “I am happy to see this funding being dedicated to assist growing businesses such as First Quality Tissue throughout the commonwealth as it is so important that we invest in these types of projects that create good, family-sustaining jobs.”

The Clinton County Economic Partnership was approved for two loans on behalf of First Quality Tissue totaling $2.65 million that will help the company accomplish the following:

• $2,250,000, 15-year loan at 3 percent interest for the first seven years for the construction of an 850,000 square foot manufacturing facility at the company’s current production complex located in Lock Haven; and

• $400,000, 10-year loan at 4 percent interest for machinery and equipment to be utilized at the new facility.

“This expansion project is tremendously complex but I look forward to its completion and the added benefits it will bring to our community,” Hanna said. “First Quality is Clinton County’s largest private employer and has been a staple in our community for many years, so being able to hire an additional 184 full-time employees significantly impacts our region and ultimately boosts economic growth.”

First Quality Tissue is a member of the privately held First Quality family of companies, a diversified group that manufacture a variety of adult, infant and feminine care products, consumer paper products, bottled water, and engineered non-woven goods. The company serves the retail, institutional and commercial channels throughout the world.

Financing through PIDA is coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Clinton County Economic Partnership.

PIDA is an independent authority staffed and regulated through the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Authority provides capital for building acquisition, construction and renovation work, machinery and equipment loans along with working capital lines of credit, primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors, and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and other DCED initiatives, visit dced.pa.gov.

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