Hazleton, Luzerne County, PA -
When companies want to grow, they look to Pennsylvania, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The governor announced on Tuesday that the Commonwealth has secured a $10.5 million investment from trash bag manufacturer Mint-X to relocate its manufacturing operation from Queens, New York, to Hazleton.
This project is expected to create at least 101 full-time jobs over the next three years.
The company has entered into a 15-year lease at 33 Powell Ave., Hazleton. Officials said relocating into a larger facility will allow the company to increase production to meet demand, while also providing enough space for the development of new, innovative products at the Hazleton facility.
“With a strategic location near major markets, and a talented, skilled workforce, Pennsylvania has so much to offer and we remain committed to making strategic investments to further boost our economy and create more good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said.
Mint-X received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $300,000 Pennsylvania First Grant. The company also received a $1,592,686 Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan from DCED for the project.
“This project is boosting Luzerne County’s rich manufacturing industry, and creating over 100 new, good-paying jobs for the region,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger.
Mint-X, founded in 2008, manufactures and distributes the world’s only Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered and patented rodent-repellent trash bags. The company produces its branded Mint-X and private-label bags with its integrated Mint-X technology for Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Costco and Dollar General.
“We are very excited to move our operation to Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we’re grateful for the warm welcome we’ve already received from the Commonwealth,” said Jeff Dussich, CEO, Mint-X. “We spent more than a year searching for a new home for our manufacturing facility. The strong labor pool and strategic location near the intersection of I-80 and I-81 ultimately made Hazleton the perfect place for us.”
