One of the country’s fastest growing window and door system manufacturers is expanding into northeastern Pennsylvania.
Crystal Window & Door Systems has recently purchased a 226-acre property in Benton Township, previously owned by Owens-Corning, for $5 million. The first production equipment is expected to arrive within days, and company owners are hoping to start making windows in Lackawanna County by early 2016.
“We’re talking about 300-350 jobs in the very short, near future with the opportunity of over 500 jobs as they continue to develop,” Bob Durkin, President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce said.
The Chen brothers say it is because of the work force here and the easy access to the interstate system that they decided to open in the region. “Its proximity to New York City, Boston, Buffalo, down to Philadelphia and DC is perfect,” Steve Chen, Crystal Windows Chief Operating Officer said. Crystal Windows also has manufacturing facilities in Queens, Chicago, and the Benton site will be the company’s largest once production is underway.
“Manufacturing is how you create wealth” Congressman Matt Cartwright said.
Crystal Windows is hoping to capitalize on the closure of BAE Systems in Jessup by hiring some of their manufacturing workers. “When one door closes, another one opens and we wanted to make sure there are opportunities that when they close down, we create opportunities for them also,” Steve Chen said.