Jul. 20—WILKES-BARRE — The Shapiro Administration and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce celebrated the growth of Kolmar USA with a ribbon cutting this week at its new $60 million facility within Scott Technology Park in Lackawanna County.
Kolmar’s second campus will create an additional 280 new jobs, while retaining an additional 290 existing positions.
“This project marks a big win for Kolmar, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the entire Commonwealth,” said Rick Siger, Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) secretary. “Manufacturing is at the heart of Pennsylvania’s dynamic economy, which it why it is one of the key industries the Shapiro Administration has focused on in Pennsylvania’s Economic Development Strategy. We will continue to double down on our efforts to show the world that Pennsylvania is the premiere place to grow and maintain business.”
The project — initially announced in 2019 — included an incentive package from DCED for $480,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits (JCTC) and a $126,000 WEDnet grant to train workers.
The project is also located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) which has provided the company $4.6 million in tax benefits.
Since 1993, Kolmar has maintained its headquarters in Northeastern Pennsylvania, leading in the development, manufacturing, and packaging of cosmetics and personal care products. The company’s expansion project includes new administrative offices, as well as warehousing and state-of-the art production capabilities.
“The KOZ designation provides a tremendous opportunity for us to grow while also contributing to the revitalization of an area ready for new investment,” said Kolmar CEO Yong Chul “Ben” Hur. “This new facility isn’t just about growing our production capabilities — it’s about creating new opportunities, strengthening our community, and building the future of a beauty manufacturing hub right here in northeast Pennsylvania.”
“Kolmar’s expansion perfectly illustrates Lackawanna County’s suitability for a wide range of industrial development,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan. “The county is an ideal location not just for manufacturing or logistics, but for corporate management and the entire spectrum of business operations.”
“The continued investment by Kolmar in Scott Township and Lackawanna County represents a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to long-term growth and innovation,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “As the developer of Scott Technology Park, the Chamber through its industrial development affiliate SLIBCO, is pleased to provide a setting that enables companies like Kolmar to expand, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to our regional economy.”
Bresnahan introduces legislation to study benefits of FEMA mitigation efforts
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, D-California, formally introduced H.R. 4426 — the Studying Mitigation and Reporting Transparently (SMART) Act.
This bipartisan legislation would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to study and report on the cost-benefit of their mitigation activities.
“Investing in disaster mitigation saves lives and taxpayer dollars,” said Bresnahan. “By studying the cost-benefit of FEMA’s mitigation programs, we are bringing greater transparency and accountability to FEMA and ensuring we see a real return on these investments. A comprehensive analysis will help us make smarter, more resilient decisions as we prepare for future disasters.”
“FEMA’s critical natural disaster mitigation work helps protect communities from disasters before they happen and saves taxpayers’ dollars. It remains one of the most cost-effective tools in our toolkit,” said Garamendi.
Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District is not immune to natural emergencies and natural disasters. Northeastern Pennsylvania has seen several floods over the past several decades, most notably in 1972 from Hurricane Agnes, when tens of thousands of homes and businesses suffered damage.
More recently, in 2011, Tropical Storm Lee flooded the district with more than 10 inches of rain in two days, evacuating people from their homes and small businesses from their storefronts. Two years ago, on September 9, 2023, severe flooding in Lackawanna County caused more than $10 million in damages and claimed at least one life. The extensive damage seen during these incidents took years to fix and restore.
As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Bresnahan serves on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
The SMART Act will ensure FEMA is adequately studying and reporting the effects of their pre-disaster mitigation efforts.
State nationally recognized for successful critical infrastructure projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been recognized for two regional America’s Transportation Awards from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
The Crawford Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project in Fayette County, and the Milwaukee Road bridge replacement over Gardner Creek in Lackawanna County won awards in the categories of “Quality of Life/Community Development” and “Best Use of Technology & Innovation,” respectively.
“Every project undertaken on our transportation network is an opportunity to deliver for Pennsylvania travelers,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These bridges in Fayette and Lackawanna counties are vital connections between people, jobs and services, and I’m proud of our team’s incredible work getting them reopened for those communities.”
PennDOT’s rehabilitation of the Crawford Avenue Bridge (McCray Robb) in Fayette County reconnected neighborhoods, businesses, and community resources, and supports multi-modal transportation, particularly the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail.
Funded by a $7 million Congressionally Directed Spending award, the $13 million project was completed in November 2024.
The Milwaukee Road bridge replacement over Gardner Creek in Lackawanna County was the first Commonwealth project to use PennDOT’s Digital Delivery 2025 initiative which aims to modernize infrastructure projects delivery by incorporating digital data and 3D technology — replacing a 32-foot steel girder bridge with a 52-foot pre-stressed concrete bridge.
The project was designed, bid, and built using a digital model, rather than 2D paper plans, as part of the Digital Delivery 2025 initiative which aims to make this method the standard for the future.
The new bridge was completed and opened to traffic in June 2024, ahead of schedule, due to effective teamwork and digital delivery methods.
Rep. Walsh, Sen. Argall announce state funding to reduce flooding in Freeland
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, announced this week that Freeland Borough secured a low-interest loan of almost $3.5 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to reduce flooding in residential neighborhoods.
More than 3,000 feet of pipe, 36 inlets, and new curbing will be installed at Yale, Foster, North, Chestnut, Laurel and Pine Streets, providing drainage during heavy storms.
“Updating infrastructure that has reached the end of its lifespan is critical to the health, safety and longevity of our communities,” said Walsh. “I am happy to see PENNVEST funding in the form of a low-interest loan invested in Freeland Borough to help meet these critical goals. Present and future residents will experience the benefits of this project.”
“Anyone who’s ever lived in a flood-prone area knows the stress that comes every time a storm rolls in,” said Argall. “I’m grateful PENNVEST recognized how important this effort is for residents. These projects can be very expensive for smaller communities.”
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.