Central Garden & Pet Company is leasing a 243,360 square-foot facility at the First 33 Commerce Center. (courtesy photo)

A manufacturer and marketer of pet and garden products has announced plans for a new warehouse and distribution facility in Lower Nazareth Township, creating at least 40 new jobs.

Central Garden & Pet Company is relocating a garden distribution facility from Massachusetts to the Lehigh Valley, leasing a 243,360 square-foot facility at the First 33 Commerce Center on 3895 East Gate Blvd., the state announced today.

“Central Garden & Pet Company’s decision to relocate to Pennsylvania was based on an evaluation that included availability of workforce, cost of operations, and proximity to customers,” Governor Tom Wolf said.

“We are pleased that the company recognizes the many advantages that Pennsylvania provides, Wolf said. “We welcome them to the commonwealth and look forward to their continued success here.”

The company plans to invest at least $835,000 on the project, which will include facility leasing, the purchase of machinery, equipment, and computer hardware and software, and employee training, according to the state.

In addition to creating 40 new, full-time jobs, the project will result in the retention of 35 current, statewide positions over the next three years, according to Will Reeves, Central Garden & Pet regional vice president.

“We are excited to be a part of the Easton community as we open a new distribution center for our garden products,” Reeves said. “Easton was selected because of its close proximity to our customers. In addition, we think the Easton area will provide a solid pool for hiring and a great environment for our employees and their families to work, shop, and play.”

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) was involved with this project, working in coordination with the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

Representatives from LVEDC and the Governor’s Action Team met with company officials in February and provided them information about the region when they were still considering whether to locate in the Lehigh Valley, according to Jarrett Witt, LVEDC Director of Business Development.

Central Garden & Pet received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that includes $80,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits, a $80,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant, and $18,000 in WEDnetPA funding for employee training.

Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading innovator, marketer, and producer of quality branded products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets. Committed to new product innovation, its products are sold to specialty, independent, and mass retailers.

The company also provides a host of other regional and application-specific garden brands and supplies, as well as application-specific pet brands and supplies. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California, and has a total of about 3,700 employees.