An Australian manufacturer of high-quality digitally printed signage will be opening its first U.S. manufacturing operation in the Lehigh Valley, creating 130 new jobs over the next three years.

Easy Signs plans to invest more than $2.8 million into the facility at 7346 Penn Drive in Upper Macungie Township.

Easy Signs, Inc., has leased a 72,000 square-foot facility in Upper Macungie Township. Hiring will begin this month for the new facility, for which company officials anticipate a soft product launch in May and a full launch by July.

“We have spent years building Easy Signs into a customer-centric, ultra-efficient manufacturing company,” said Andy Fryer, co-Founder of Easy Signs. “With a focus on technology and continual innovation we knew it would one day be ready to launch into a much larger market such as the U.S. That day has now arrived and we are thrilled to be establishing in the Lehigh Valley.” 

The company has committed to investing more than $2.8 million into the project, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

“We look forward to creating a wide range of jobs for Pennsylvanians in the Lehigh Valley, and developing a facility and culture that allows people to enjoy coming to work each day,” Fryer said.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) assisted Easy Signs with the site selection process, hosting them in November for visits to several different locations in the Lehigh Valley on a tour with the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD).

“We’re pleased to welcome Easy Signs to the Lehigh Valley, and were glad to work with them to help identify sites and provide economic data about the region, said LVEDC President & CEO Don Cunningham. “Businesses from many countries have made the Lehigh Valley their home, and I’m sure Easy Signs will find the Lehigh Valley a perfect fit for its first U.S. manufacturing operation.”

LVEDC provided the company with information about the regional economy and workforce, helped them establish local connections, and provided information about financing options available through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.

Easy Signs has seen increased sales to the United States, and expects the opening its new Lehigh Valley facility at 7346 Penn Drive will help the company continue that growth, according to the state.

“Manufacturing is the second-largest sector of the Lehigh Valley economy, and our region is attractive for international companies seeking a presence in the United States due to our prime Northeast location, talented workforce, and excellent transportation infrastructure,” Cunningham said.

Headquartered southwest of Sydney, Easy Signs utilizes the latest technology and an efficient production system to manufacture products with some of the fastest production times of any signage manufacturer in Australia. 

Over the last 10 years, Easy Signs has invested in the latest state-of-the-art machinery to ensure they supply consistent, high quality products at the lowest cost, Fryer said. The company has been exporting to the United States since 2019. 

“Pennsylvania’s friendly business climate and manufacturing excellence is well-known internationally,” Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said.

“Manufacturing has long been a key part of the commonwealth’s economy and we have much to offer the industry, from our skilled workforce to prime northeast location, and more,” Wolf said. “Easy Signs’ choice to locate their first U.S. manufacturing operation here speaks volumes about the commonwealth and I’m thrilled to welcome them to Pennsylvania.”

Easy Signs received a funding proposal from DCED for a $225,000 Pennsylvania First grant, a $75,000 workforce development grant to help train workers, and a $1 million loan through PIDA.

The company was also encouraged to apply for the department’s Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) program, according to the state.

The project was coordinated by 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.

It was also coordinated by the OIBD, which offers both export and foreign direct investment assistance to help companies grow in the commonwealth.