West Pharmaceutical holds groundbreaking for expansion

WILLIAMSPORT -- Greater Williamsport can expect hundreds of job openings in the near future, thanks to a huge expansion of West Pharmaceutical.

Company officials and local leaders took turns applauding West Pharmaceutical Services' expansion in Williamsport's industrial park on Reach Road as part of groundbreaking ceremonies Wednesday.

The construction of a new 37,000-square-foot facility, they said, represents the next step of an important economic investment for the company and the community.

"The addition will house rubber mixing equipment," David Lanzer, director of operations for West in Williamsport, said. "It's a proprietary formula for rubber."

The finished product -- stoppers for IV bottles -- will then be completed at the West facility in Jersey Shore. The compounded rubber product has been produced at West sites in Florida and North Carolina.

"This site has been part of the West community since 1982," Lanzer told those gathered at the site.

West is a manufacturer in packaging, injectable solutions and delivery systems and a partner to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide.

Construction is expected to be completed next year.

Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink said the expansion represents the next step for West to fulfill its mission to customers and the community.

The project, coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, will create more than 200 jobs at the company's three Pennsylvania locations.

"We need to continue to invest in our facilities," Tom Gribbin, vice president of operations, said.

Overall, he said, the company has experienced "significant growth."

Brent Vernon, executive director, Governor's Action Team, said the West expansion represents a major investment as part of the critical work -- that of saving lives -- done by West.

He said the team worked extensively with West to help make the project happen.

"This really is a big deal," state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, said. "It's a big deal for my district. It's a big deal for the state."

In looking for places to locate, a company not only chooses to go where it is welcome, but where it is appreciated, Yaw noted.

"They stay where they are appreciated," he said. "West is appreciated."

Yaw announced that $500,000 in state funding was secured for the expansion.

Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger noted the company's commitment to producing products that enhance lives.

Jernae Drummond, assistant director for Williamsport Community & Economic Development, said the West expansion is another example of efforts by the city to bring more jobs and businesses to the community.

Fink said, "West is hiring. It offers great wages."