Temple: Company plans expansion, adding more than 250 new jobs

East Penn Manufacturing Co., a leading U.S. battery manufacturer, plans to expand its distribution center on Charter Oaks Drive in Temple, constructing a new facility, making a $106 million capital investment and creating 266 new jobs, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday.

A Texas Enterprise grant offer of $1,356,600 was extended to the company, Abbott said.

“We are excited about East Penn’s expressed intention to invest in our 305-acre, shovel ready industrial park, Temple Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Adrian Cannady said.

“We look forward to working with East Penn in an effort to finalize the documentation needed to move forward with construction of their state-of the-art facility,” he said.

The 70-year-old company has grown from a one-room shop to a company with more than 8,000 employees and 450 product designs, according to its website.

“Made in Texas is a powerful label, and East Penn Manufacturing Co. has established a reputation for delivering on high standards of quality to ensure consumers receive products they can count on,” Abbott said.

“As they expand operations, I thank East Penn for all they have brought to the city of Temple and to the state of Texas, and I look forward to their continued success.”