Governor Rendell: Technology-Management Company Will Create, Retain More Than 450 Jobs in Luzerne County

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A global leader in business process and technology management will expand its operations in Wilkes-Barre and create or retain more than 450 jobs within three years, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

Genpact currently operates in a leased, 40,000-square-foot facility in Wilkes-Barre. The company plans to expand its square footage to 53,000 and buy new equipment, make leasehold improvements and provide employee training. The $1.7 million project will create at least 205 jobs within three years and retain 255 existing positions.

"Whenever a company expands, it is good not only for the business but also for the people who work there – now and in the future – as well as the communities in which those workers live," said Governor Rendell. "Genpact's decision to expand its operations in Pennsylvania rather than elsewhere is a testament to our economic climate, the quality of life here, and the hardworking men and women of Luzerne County.

"Some skeptics enjoy criticizing any type of government spending, but I firmly believe our state must continue to invest in quality economic development projects like this one," said Governor Rendell. "When we invest our resources wisely, we attract private dollars that might otherwise go elsewhere. As in this case, for every dollar we spend, the company is putting up at least one other dollar. In return, we're securing more than 450 jobs and a stronger economy."

Genpact has more than 400 clients worldwide. Its employees in Wilkes-Barre service more than 35 global client companies in the healthcare and commercial sectors. The company provides a number of revenue cycle management services for these clients, including invoicing and order-to-cash processes.

"Genpact is honored to receive this investment because we are dedicated to adding valuable employment opportunities here in Wilkes-Barre," said Scott McConnell, senior vice president and operating leader, Americas for Genpact. "Pennsylvania has been a great state in which to do business and serve clients, and we look forward to expanding our operations here over the next several years."

The project was coordinated at the state level by the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state, and the Department of Community and Economic Development's Office of International Business Development, whose global investment representative in India initiated contact with the company.

The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry helped the company obtain an $802,250 funding offer for the project from DCED, including a $300,000 opportunity grant, $92,250 in job training assistance, and $410,000 in job creation tax credits.  

"The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry was pleased to work with the Governor's Action Team and the local leaders in Hanover Township and Luzerne County to provide Genpact with the timely information and support it needed to choose this site for its expansion," said the chamber's CEO, Todd Vonderheid. "Time and time again, the quality of northeastern Pennsylvania's workforce proves to be our greatest location advantage."

Since January 2003, GAT has successfully completed 1,188 projects statewide.  The projects represent commitments for 128,891 new jobs and 302,144 retained jobs.  The commonwealth has offered more than $2.2 billion in funding to these projects, which will leverage more than $16 billion in additional investment.

For more information on Genpact, visit www.genpact.com.

For more information on the Governor's Action Team and other Department of Community and Economic Development programs, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor