Premier Tech Water and Environment of Rivière-du-Loup, Québec, opened its first manufacturing plant in the United States at 210 Arch St., holding a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday at its new 24,000-square-foot facility.

It was an auspicious occasion, with invited guests including the company president Luc Langlois and David Briel, deputy secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development.

Most notably, the site will house the first manufacturing plant in the nation for Premier Tech Water and Environment, a move that aims to sustain its growth in the American market.

“Thank you all for celebrating this very important milestone,” Langlois said before cutting the ribbon.

Donald Hockenbury, Operations Director at the new Williamsport Premier Tech production facility, makes remarks during the official opening of the business Wednesday aftenoon. The Canadian-based company makes high-efficiency on-site residential septic systems and this new plant will be the first US-based production. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

In his remarks, he noted that it was only a year ago when he asked if the manufacturing machines could be put in at this site and was told they could. While Premier Tech has been around for 25 years with its client services and sales it did not have an operation for manufacturing in this nation.

The company’s goal was to have “our own manufacturing plant in the states,” Langlois said.

The site paves the way for the future growth of Premier Tech Water and Environment in Pennsylvania and it aligns with the company’s commitment to reinforce its presence in the United States with more local team members.

Not only will the plant be a manufacturing operation, it will be a “hub for expansion in the states for the next few years,” Langlois said, adding how this was “a very strategic move for us.”

This kind of industrial project development typically takes three to four years, Langlois noted, but this plant was turned around in a year.

Local business owners tour the new Williamsport Premier Tech production facility the official opening of the business Wednesday aftenoon. The Canadian-based company makes high-efficiency on-site residential septic systems and this new plant will be the first US-based production. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Today, the business is hopeful to add a second shift, said Donald E. Hockenbury, operations director.

The business also has been bolstered by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new economic development strategy, officials said.

Briel, representing the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to investing in international businesses, noted the presence of a strong international manufacturer arriving in Lycoming County was a day to celebrate.

“The Shapiro Administration wants global companies and industries to know that Pennsylvania is open for business,” Briel said. DCED’s Office of International Business Development (OIBD) is currently holding “Bringing the World to Pennsylvania” events across the Commonwealth that run through Friday. The statewide tour is connecting Pennsylvania companies with authorized international representatives to discuss opportunities for exporting their products, services and technologies.

In the past year, OIBD supported 643 Pennsylvania companies to export more than $584.6 million worth of products and helped 20 international companies locating to Pennsylvania invest more than $498 million. Through this export and investment work, OIBD has been able to support over 12,600 Pennsylvania jobs.

Briel also observed the strong economic connection between the Commonwealth and industries and businesses in Canada, with at least $22 million of investment made and an estimated 588 firms around the state employing 50,000 workers.

“We look forward to watching Premier Tech grow their operations from a Pennsylvania base,” Briel said.

Workforce development

The facility is only 1.3 miles from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. “We are very fortunate to have Penn College here,” said Jason Fink, president/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

The college is expected to provide a labor force that will be able to provide skilled technicians and technological opportunities to not only continue to allow what it is doing but to grow in Lycoming County.

Fink thanked those on the Premier Tech side for investing here. He also noted it was great for the Chamber to be able to have Jason Hunt, director of International Business Attraction in the state DCED and the OIBD staff to be able to tap into when there are opportunities such as this that arise.

Fink strongly encouraged individuals interested to look at the company’s website.

“This is a very solid company,” he said. “This is a very dynamic company,” he said, adding that is why when he was first introduced he and the Chamber made sure they could do whatever was possible to partner with the state on this investment.

“This was truly a team effort,” he said.

With a history in the U.S. dating back to the company’s beginnings in 1923, the company has some 370 team members in over 30 states and five manufacturing facilities.

This plant opening also arrives less than a year after the unveiling of the new headquarters for Premier Tech Systems and Automation in Montgomery, Alabama, as well as the expansion of its facility in Salt Lake City.

Hockenbury observed how the opening and future expansion would not have been possible without the efforts of the chamber and businessman and corporate neighbor Frank Lundy.

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter also viewed the occasion with a forward-looking approach.

“We’re not just opening doors; we’re opening opportunities,” he said. “This new plant is a symbol of growth, jobs and a prosperous future for our community,” he said.

Premier Tech’s focus is providing liveable wages, focusing on sustainability and reducing emissions by lowering its carbon footprint.

For example, a state of the art machine highlighted during a tour of the facility uses a mere $12 of gas per tank.

Premier Tech also prides itself on a “horizontal team driven approach to reduce emissions and increasing sustainability with teams operating in Portugal, Germany, France, Canada and the U.S.

Additionally, the company emphasizes safety for its crew, protecting the most valuable asset in the organization. It lives by a culture whereby team members are dedicated to treating people with the utmost respect, developing them and looking to create a family environment, Hockenbury stressed.

This new plant is expected to increase the capabilities allowing for a closer and stronger relationship with its American-based clients.

The operation also allows for a stronger local foothold and an increased production capacity to serve not only in-state but also set the stage for an enhanced presence in Iowa and New Jersey.

Lycoming County Commissioners Scott Metzger, chairman; along with Marc Sortman, offered their congratulations and appreciation to the Premier Tech team.

Metzger noted their longevity of 100 years operating in 28 countries that has led to their success in residential wastewater treatment.

He also expressed excitement the company will be working with Penn College to educate and bring in a skilled labor force at the plant and looked forward to its expansion and opportunities from that in Lycoming County.

Sortman concurred with Metzger, augmenting how exciting it is that this global company, which could have selected anywhere, chose to open its manufacturing plant focusing on sustainable local solutions for water and solid waste management here in Lycoming County.

He also remarked on the relatively short time frame in which this was accomplished, crediting the coordination between the government officials and chamber.

“I am thrilled to have them in America, starting with Lycoming County,” Sortman said.