HARRISBURG, PA — In an announcement on Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro revealed that Excelitas Technologies Corp., a global leader in photonics technology, has chosen the bustling city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the site for its new headquarters. This move will generate at least 250 jobs over the next four years, bolstering the local economy and reinforcing Pennsylvania’s reputation as a hotbed for technological innovation.
Currently based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Excelitas has committed to a 12-year lease for a sprawling 46,000-50,000-square-foot space at 2545 Railroad Street in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Strip District neighborhood. The company plans to invest $2.3 million in the area while retaining at least 20 existing jobs across the state.
The decision comes after an intense courtship period during the fourth quarter of 2023, where Governor Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger successfully persuaded Excelitas’ top brass to relocate their operations to the Steel City.
Governor Shapiro hailed the move as a massive win for the Keystone State, saying, “For the past year, I’ve been telling the world that Pennsylvania is open for business — and Excelitas clearly agrees. Their presence in Pittsburgh sends a clear signal that Western Pennsylvania is a national hub for life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and more.”
Excelitas’ relocation adds to the over $1.2 billion in new private sector investment in Pennsylvania announced since January 2023, underlining the success of the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to attract innovative businesses to the state.
As part of the deal, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has proposed a $2.3 million Pennsylvania First grant to Excelitas, along with encouragement to apply for Research and Development (R&D) tax credits.
Secretary Siger expressed his excitement at the prospect of welcoming Excelitas to Pennsylvania, declaring, “Having Excelitas move their headquarters here checks all the boxes for innovation, job creation, and economic development.”
Excelitas is a pioneer in photonics technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions to an expansive customer base spanning the life sciences, microelectronics, automation, aerospace, and defense sectors. With more than 8,000 professionals working across 33 locations worldwide, the company’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Pittsburgh represents a significant vote of confidence in the city’s burgeoning tech scene.
Excelitas CEO Ron Keating echoed this sentiment, stating, “Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania region have developed a significant high-technology presence, combined with a strong work ethic and an engaged state and local leadership who understand the value of job creation.”
The Governor’s Action Team, a group of seasoned economic development professionals, coordinated the project. This move marks another successful initiative by the team in bolstering Pennsylvania’s role as a magnet for businesses considering relocation or expansion.
As Excelitas prepares to call Pennsylvania home, it’s clear that the state’s efforts to attract leading-edge companies are paying off, promising a bright future for Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth as a whole.
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