A manufacturer of high-quality cellulose fiber products has chosen the Lehigh Valley for its first manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania, a project that will create 43 full-time jobs in the region.

IQ Fibers has announced plans to lease a 45,000 square-foot building in the borough of West Easton for five years, with the option for two five-year extensions.

The company plans to invest at least $5.4 million into the project, according to George Day, Chief Executive Officer.

“We are extremely proud of our facility and the highly engineered cellulose fiber products we manufacture,” Day said. “With the market demand for more environmentally friendly solutions, we believe this is the right time and place to launch our company.”

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) worked with IQ Fibers on its site selection process, connected it with banks and provided information about financing resources available in the Lehigh Valley.

“We’re very pleased that IQ Fibers has decided to establish its first Pennsylvania manufacturing operation here in the Lehigh Valley, where manufacturing is alive and well,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of LVEDC. “Manufacturing accounts for $7.4 billion of the region’s $40 billion GDP, making it our second-largest economic sector. We welcome IQ Fibers to our family of manufacturers.”

IQ Fibers manufactures high-quality cellulose insulation, with a line of products including insulation and absorbents used by distributors, contract installers and end users, as well as government weatherization agencies, utility companies, and related programs.

IQ Fibers began in 2009 as an Allentown-based startup company called FiberAmerica. It was sold to a national competitor in 2014 and moved to Indiana, but desired to return to the Lehigh Valley after seeking to re-enter the Northeast market.

IQ Fibers received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the West Easton project, which included an $86,000 Pennsylvania First grant.

“The investments we are making in our business sector represent significant opportunities for the Commonwealth to grow and prosper,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “Their success will turn into a stronger economy and new opportunities for job creation and retention in Pennsylvania.”

The state’s funding proposal also included $86,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs, and a $32,550 workforce development grant to help the company train employees.

IQ Fibers also was encouraged to apply for a $400,000 low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, according to the state.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team (GAT), 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. LVEDC coordinates regularly with GAT on business attraction or expansion projects in the Lehigh Valley.