Corbett Administration Congratulates EcoTech Marine for Expansion in Lehigh Valley

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Corbett administration today congratulated EcoTech Marine on the recent grand opening of their new facility, representing its growth from a three-person Lehigh University student start-up to a 40-person small business.

"EcoTech Marine's journey is a great example of what can be accomplished when you have a great idea, the drive to move forward, and the resources to grow and create jobs," Governor Tom Corbett said. "Over the course of a decade, the company has grown from a three-person start-up to a successful small business with 40 employees and sales of over $12 million. I congratulate EcoTech Marine as it celebrates 10 years of success."

EcoTech Marine, a manufacturer of advanced technology products for the aquarium industry, was founded by three Lehigh University students in 2003. Today, with sales of more than $12 million and international sales of more than $4 million, the company has received numerous awards for product innovation. The company's success over the past 10 years has resulted in their growth to a 40-person workforce and move from a 4,000 square feet space to a 36,000 square feet.

"The commonwealth has been instrumental in making this company what it is today," Patrick Clasen, Director of Finance at EcoTec said. "It is because of the state's belief in college students with a crazy idea to make waves in aquariums that we are a success."

After discovering the commercial potential of this school project, the students approached Lehigh's Small Business Development Center for assistance in advancing their business. The company received support from the Department of Community and Economic Development including Keystone Innovation Zone funding, three Ben Franklin grants and EcoTech also utilized additional commonwealth resources including the Pennsylvania Export Financing program, the Lehigh University Industrial Resource Network and the Pennsylvania Export Network.

Using the services provided through the PA Export Network, the company developed a distribution network of more than 26 distributors in 40 countries with approximately 30 percent of sales being international.

For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development and other job creation initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact:
Steven Kratz, DCED; 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor