Continental Specialty Meats, Inc., a food processor of specialty meats, will relocate operations from New Jersey to Northampton County, bringing 26 new jobs to the region.

This is the 17th jobs announcement in the Lehigh Valley this year with the resulting total job creation for the county projected to be more than 1,416 new jobs.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. Company officials met with Janet Smith, of the GAT, and LVEDC’s Jarrett Witt, director of economic development.

“Continental Specialty Meats is truly a family affair – a company with a proud history of fine delicatessen foods,” said Don Cunningham, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). “The company is making a long-term investment in the Lehigh Valley and LVEDC is pleased to have had a hand in attracting this more than $4 million project to our region. It’s a relocation project that will result in at least 26 new full-time jobs.”

“Pennsylvania’s economy is back on track as we continue to promote business growth and job creation throughout the state,” said Gov. Corbett. “By improving our business climate we will continue to realize new opportunities for our workforce.”

Continental Specialty Meats, Inc. (Continental), a meat and delicatessen processor, will move from its current facility in Ridgefield, N.J. to Forks Township, Northampton County. The company recently purchased an 18,225-square-foot facility and will add 20,000 square feet for additional work space. The company will invest more than $4 million to support the expansion through land acquisition, renovations, site improvements, new equipment and employee training. Continental also committed to creating 26 new jobs within three years.

“My brother Eric and I are grateful to the state of Pennsylvania; they have been welcoming and helpful which has helped to lessen the stress of building a new plant,” said Continental Specialty Meats President Kenneth Mayer. “We are excited to begin operations in Pennsylvania.”

The company received a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development including a $50,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant and $52,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits. The company will also be eligible to apply for a $375,000 loan from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund to be repaid within 10 years.

Once the move has been completed, Continental will operate under the name, “Bethlehem Sausage Works.” The company will establish a mail-order website to serve its retail customers while the newly acquired facility will focus on the wholesale trade.

Continental Specialty Meats, Inc., a meat and delicatessen processor, was founded in 1948 and produces numerous ethnic sausages, along with various meats.