Management from IQ Fibers came to Borough Hall last week to formally introduce themselves.
They stopped in last Thursday morning to get a business permit and offer their apologies to West Easton.
West Easton’s Mayor, Council, and residents were unaware of their plan to open a manufacturing facility on Lehigh Drive, when the public announcement from the Governor’s office was released to local news media.
During our meet and greet, they related to Mayor DePaul, that they were just as surprised to see the announcement in the local newspaper on Tuesday, as West Easton was.
They also explained how the lack of communication with West Easton occurred.
A Pennsylvania First grant provided $86,000, another $86,000 came from Job Creation Tax Credits and $32,550 came from a workforce development grant.
Mr. George Day, CEO of IQ Fibers, told us he called PDCED to simply inquire on the status of the funding. PDCED asked if he had actually leased the building and was then asked to give a quote about the business, for their records.
They used that quote in the press release, which was copied in the newspapers. The photo used was an old stock photo.
The press release from the Governor’s Office was a surprise to Mr. Day and something he wasn’t notified was coming. He said if he had known, he would have requested it be delayed, so he could have arranged a meeting with West Easton officials and prepare for what he knew would be coming, when a new business opens.
His management was inundated with salespeople, job seekers, and queries that day, related to the new business in West Easton.
His intent, in his call to PDCED, was simply to ensure the funding for the project from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PDCED) was in place before seeking permits and any zoning approval needed.
He also said he is aware that West Easton will want to ensure that the facility meets zoning and safety requirements before manufacturing could commence. Nobody anticipates a problem in achieving that.
Mr. Day told me they are many months away from the start of actually manufacturing their fiber insulation at the Lehigh Drive location. The owner of the space they are leasing is still in the process of clearing out the building and the arrangements for manufacturing equipment to be brought in is still in the planning stages.
During the time it will take to get any manufacturing started the building will be used as a drop-box location for product being manufactured elsewhere, but distributed in the local area.
When he is ready to begin manufacturing, he hopes to have a proper start in West Easton. One that will include an open house of the facility.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
