Chambersburg, PA – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined leadership from Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread (Martin’s), maker of bread and rolls sold around the country and in restaurants around the world, to announce the company will invest $123.2 million to expand its existing manufacturing facility in Franklin County. The Chambersburg-based company’s expansion project will create at least 127 new jobs over five years while retaining 659 current employees statewide, of which 639 are at the project site.
Martin’s, which is in its 70th year, will expand its baking operations at 1000 Potato Roll Lane in Guilford Township “to meet increased demand for its products both domestically and internationally,” according to a press release from the governor’s Department of Community and Economic Development.
The expansion will add approximately 295,000 square-feet to its existing plant and will include a state-of-the-art, fully air-conditioned roll production line and a cold dock/freezer. The company also plans to build an electric substation to service current needs and support its future growth strategy. The total cost of the project will be approximately $123.2 million dollars.
“Martin’s is a true Pennsylvania success story – and the Martin family and its workers have worked hard to reinvest and grow in Central Pennsylvania while making a darn good potato roll. Martin’s success shows us what’s possible here in Pennsylvania – and it’s the kind of success I want to replicate,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s why we are so proud to invest in Martin’s latest expansion here in Chambersburg. My Administration has a plan to double down on our investments in economic development so more Pennsylvania companies can compete and win. When we see a hardworking company making a great product, we need to help them succeed and grow in Pennsylvania the same way Martin’s has.”
The Shapiro Administration is rethinking the way government can move at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process. Working in close collaboration with DCED and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Martin’s secured their permit weeks ahead of schedule and hit the ground running on their new expansion.
Martin’s received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $635,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $34,000 workforce development grant to train workers. The company was also encouraged to apply for DCED’s Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) and Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction (QMIRD) programs.
“Martin’s has a long and storied history in Franklin County, and DCED is proud to have worked with the company to ensure they continue to grow and create jobs right here in Pennsylvania,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Pennsylvania has a lot to offer to food processing manufacturers – from our strategic location, to our abundant natural resources, to our dedicated and skilled workforce. We are thrilled Martin’s has chosen to continue to grow here in the Commonwealth.”
Martin’s opened operations in Chambersburg in 1955 in Lloyd and Lois Martin’s one-car garage, which they converted to a bakery. Today, Martin’s is a family-owned and operated consumer goods company focused on baking high quality bread and roll products using high quality ingredients. They are rigorously dedicated to extraordinary taste, quality, and customer service, something that truly sets them apart from their competitors. Since the 1950s, the business has expanded from the Martin family’s one-car garage into two commercial baking plants, one in Chambersburg, PA, and one in Valdosta, GA, and continues to grow and flourish in new markets as well as in areas of established distribution.
“We are very excited to be growing our business and expanding our bakery in our hometown of Chambersburg. Our amazing employees, supportive community, and loyal customers are helping us to create good American jobs and to expand our market area throughout the US and around the world. We’d like to thank the Governor and his team for their desire to support and encourage businesses in PA,” said Tony Martin, Martin’s President and third-generation Martin family member. “When PA businesses are strong, they create new opportunities and more good jobs, which leads to successful, stable communities, where we can raise our families and pursue the American dream. We appreciate Governor Shapiro’s support of our business and other PA businesses, and we look forward to the future growth of opportunity in our wonderful Commonwealth.”