New Jersey company relocates to Allentown

Schless Bottles, a plastic jars and bottles manufacturer, is moving to Allentown. 

Gov. Josh Shapiro said the northern New Jersey company will invest more than $7.5 million in building acquisition and renovation costs and create 98 full-time manufacturing jobs in the next three years. 

“Pennsylvania is a leader in manufacturing across different industries, and I’m thrilled to welcome Schless Bottles to the Commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “Thanks to this investment, Schless Bottles will create nearly 100 jobs here in Allentown, creating real opportunity for more hardworking Pennsylvanians and their families. Their decision to relocate to Pennsylvania and create jobs here in Lehigh Valley should send a clear message to businesses all across the country – Pennsylvania is open for business and my administration is committed to helping businesses here grow and thrive.”   

For its expansion, Schless Bottles received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $300,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $196,000 grant to train new workers. 

“Gov. Shapiro and I are working hard to make the Commonwealth a leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development — and Schless Bottles’ decision to relocate to Pennsylvania is another great example of how we’re making that happen,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Manufacturing is one of the Commonwealth’s key industries, and we’re going to strengthen the sector by continuing to make strategic investments in growing companies like Schless. I’m thrilled this manufacturer chose Allentown as their new home.” 

Schless Bottles produces more than 250 million PET bottles annually and has been focused on manufacturing premium plastic jars and bottles, the Shapiro administration said. The company said it chose to relocate to Pennsylvania because it needed more space to expand its manufacturing operation and to take advantage of the Lehigh Valley’s workforce and proximity to major distribution markets. 

“I’d like to thank Gov. Shapiro, the Governor’s Action Team and the people here in Allentown for helping to make this relocation happen,” said Mark Schlesinger, executive director at Schless Bottles. “We look forward to being part of the Allentown community for many years to come and are excited to bring nearly 100 new jobs to the area.” 

Earlier this month, the administration announced that global resin manufacturer Purolite will create 175 new jobs and invest $190 million to create its first U.S. Biologics Division in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Since January, Governor Shapiro has announced over $630 million in new private sector investment in Pennsylvania.