A beverage production operation plans to reopen a closed plant in Luzerne County, which will inject $30 million in the local economy, according to Governor Josh Shapiro’s Office.
Pittston Co-Packers Corp will take over the lease and equipment from Joriki Beverages, which closed on Dec. 31 and left 226 employees without a job.
The new operation on Research Drive in Pittston Township is the first beverage production operation for the company in the United States. The project received state funding, including a $1 million PA First grant from the Department of Economic Development; and a $76,100 WEDnetPA grant to train workers.
Local leaders are excited for the development.
"It's great for the township and great for the workers across the Commonwealth, as well as in Luzerne County,” said Kyle Rozitski, Pittston Township's financial administrator.
The company is a wholly-owned and newly-formed indirect subsidiary of China-based Eastroc Beverage Group Co., and will produce beverages for top U.S. brand contracts that were held by Joriki, which included Coca-Cola.
Jobs return to the plant
The state says the company will create at least 226 new, full-time jobs in Luzerne County within the next three years.
Rozitski is hopeful that many of the employees who lost their jobs will return to work at the plant under a new owner.
Pittston Co-Packers Corp. will provide job opportunities for Joriki employees, according to the state.
“Pittston Co-Packers is excited to become part of the Luzerne County community and contribute to the revitalization of this important facility,” said Christopher John Reed, CEO of Pittston Co-Packers. “The project aims to generate lasting economic value, support local workforce development, and foster strong community ties. This marks a meaningful step in building a long-term presence and partnership in the region.”
'People do want to come here'
The plant is in Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services' CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park East. The 403,000 square foot spec building was built in 2019, according to LoopNet. Few cars were in the sprawling parking lot on Monday, just after the announcement was made by the governor's office.
John Lombardo is chair of Luzerne County Council.
“This, to me, just kind of proves something that I have been preaching all along in my position on council that people do want to come here," he said. "People do want to open businesses here, and they do want to invest in Luzerne County. So even when one business closes, like when one door closes, another door opens very quickly thereafter."
