A strategic location. A skilled workforce. A legacy of success. Community support. Quality of life. 
Those are among the top reasons why manufacturing executives said they chose Lehigh Valley to open new factories or expand existing facilities this year. From medical technology to candy to industrial equipment, a wide array of producers announced new operations, and they are in good company.
Lehigh Valley is one of America’s Top 15% of manufacturing markets, based on Gross Domestic Product. About 700 manufacturers collectively produce $9 billion in GDP annually.
Manufacturing makes up 16% of Lehigh Valley’s economy, compared to 12% of the U.S. economy. Manufacturing jobs have increased by 28.8% since 2010, three times the national rate.
During National Manufacturing Month, here’s a look at some of those recent expansions, and what company executives said about why they are investing in the Lehigh Valley.
B. Braun of the Americas, Inc. – CEO Rob Albert
“We are growing in the Lehigh Valley and in Pennsylvania because we have a long history here and of finding skilled workers, high quality suppliers, training partners, and a business environment that enables us to compete and win in the marketplace. Lehigh Valley also has the quality of life and the culture we need to retain our talent. Our people love living and working here.”
The German medical device manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters has been in Bethlehem since 1979. B. Braun announced a $20 million expansion to its plant in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, that includes upgrades to IV therapy and pharmacy admixture and compounding operations. The expansion will create 200 new jobs.
Kervan USA - Gokhan Kacmaz, Chief Financial Officer
“This location made perfect sense, both proximity to the ports and the workforce. We saw a big opportunity. All this made the Lehigh Valley a great location to make this investment.”
Based in Turkey, Kervan operates its U.S. headquarters in Whitehall Township. The company broke ground on a $20 million facility in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth townships that initially will be used for packaging and distribution, then will expand to manufacturing. About 40 new employees are projected.
Filter King - Rick Hoskins, CEO and Founder
“Lehigh Valley Industrial Park’s central location and outstanding logistics infrastructure make it an ideal base for manufacturing and distribution as we continue to scale our operations.” 
Based in Florida, Filter King opened a 61,600-square-foot plant to manufacture high-quality HVAC filters for industrial, commercial, and residential use, in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VI in Bethlehem Township. It plans to create up to 120 jobs.
Kerry Group - John Cahalane, President and CEO, Kerry North America
“We are especially proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose support has been instrumental in making this expansion possible. This collaboration reinforces our belief that Bethlehem is the right place to grow our coffee business and deepen our commitment to sustainable nutrition and local community development.”
Based in Ireland with 21,000 employees around the world, Kerry Group announced plans for a multi-million operation to begin soon in Hanover Township, Northampton County, for coffee roasting and extraction. The location, Kerry’s first in Pennsylvania, will create 61 new jobs and retain 16 from a previous beverage production operation at that location.
Bosch Rexroth Corporation - Rafael Paredes, Plant Manager
“This project is not only about us. This project is about continuing a legacy of partnership and investment in this community. This community has supported us for many generations, and we are very happy to continue to grow for more decades to come.”
Based in Germany, Bosch Rexroth broke ground on a $20 million, 50,000-square-foot logistics center adjacent to its North American hydraulics manufacturing hub in Bethlehem. The company, which produces automation equipment for industrial and mobile uses, began operating in the Lehigh Valley in 1967.
(Top photo courtesy of PA Cast. Middle photo courtesy of Filter King. Bottom photo by LVEDC)