Conair Invests $9.75 Million to Expand Manufacturing in Franklin, Pennsylvania

Industrial equipment manufacturer Conair, part of Piovan Group North America, will invest $9.75 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Franklin, Venango County, Pennsylvania. The project is expected to create 126 new jobs over three years and retain 273 existing positions.

Reviving a vacant plant

Conair will lease and renovate a 157,760-square-foot facility at 325 Buffalo Street that has sat vacant for almost a decade. The site will add fabrication, machining and powder coating capabilities. Conair designs and manufactures auxiliary equipment and automation systems for plastics processing, including drying, conveying, blending and heat transfer equipment.

Jon Lashley, Executive Vice President of The Conair Group said:

“Conair has been manufacturing in Franklin for more than 70 years, and this expansion reflects our commitment to our employees, our customers, and this community. Adding fabrication, machining, and powder coating capabilities will give us greater control over quality and lead times and help us respond more quickly to our customers’ needs.”

State support

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development offered an $805,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $40,000 WEDNetPA training grant.