USSC Group Expands, Adds Jobs in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Bus seating and fire suppression supplier USSC Group will expand its operations and establish a new manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Wolf announced USSC’s plans on Tuesday. The company’s new manufacturing facility in Uwchlan Township, Chester County, will reportedly create more than 240 new jobs.

“The decision by USSC to continue to grow right here in Pennsylvania is a great win for our commonwealth,” Wolf said. “Not only does this mean more jobs for people seeking work in manufacturing, but it also demonstrates that for manufacturing companies both in and outside of the state, Pennsylvania is the place to be to grow and thrive.”

In addition to supplying seating, USSC Group is the parent company of Fogmaker North America, which provides fire suppression systems for school buses and other vehicles.

USSC currently leases a 136,000-square-foot facility in Exton, Pennsylvania. The company will move operations into a nearly 300,000-square-foot facility in the first phase of the expansion to accommodate the need for additional production after a company acquisition.

Plans are underway to add an additional 175,000 square feet of manufacturing space in the second phase. The company is investing at least $13.2 million into the project and has committed to create at least 243 new jobs and retain a further 133 jobs over the next three years.

“The USSC team is very excited to continue our growth in Chester County,” said Joe Mirabile, president and CEO of USSC Group. “We are passionate about growing our team and creating manufacturing jobs in the great state of Pennsylvania. The CCEDC [Chester County Economic Development Council] and the Governor’s Action Team’s support was integral in our decision to base our headquarters here.”

USSC received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $350,000 Pennsylvania First grant, a $109,350 WEDnet grant for employee training, and $486,000 in job creation tax credits to be issued after the new jobs are created. The company has also been encouraged to apply for a $2 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to assist with building and equipment costs.