“Cumberland Valley Analytical Services chose to relocate its operations to Pennsylvania for several important reasons, including our business-friendly climate, our strong agricultural focus, and the value we place on industry’s benefits to the local economy,” Governor Wolf said. “It’s with great pleasure that we welcome this family-owned and managed business to the commonwealth. The services it provides help support our dairy sector and promote a safe food supply for our residents.”
CVAS will renovate an existing facility at Wharf Road Industrial Park in Waynesboro. The company plans to invest $4.6 million in the project, which will include purchase of the 30,000 square-foot building, completion of facility improvements, and procurement of new equipment and fixtures. CVAS has also committed to the creation of 78 new, full-time jobs over the next three years.
“We are excited for the relocation to the Wharf Road Industrial Park. It is a total win for us. We obtain critically needed space for expansion in a state where agriculture is a valued key industry,” said Ralph Ward, CVAS founder and owner. “The involvement of the DCED and the Industrial Development Authority has allowed us to make the financing of this project a reality. The support that we are receiving from local government and industry has been amazing.”
CVAS received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $156,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant. The company has also been encouraged to apply for a $1,726,000 low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.
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, in collaboration with the Franklin County Area Development Corporation (FCADC).
“The decision of Ralph Ward to consolidate CVAS is reflective of Pennsylvania’s pro-business climate and the collaboration of local community stakeholders, including the Washington Township Supervisors, Waynesboro Area School District, and the Franklin County Area Development Corporation,” said Mike Ross, FCADC president. “CVAS has a stellar reputation in the Ag industry and as one of Pennsylvania’s leading agricultural counties, we welcome CVAS to Franklin County and look forward to a long-term relationship.”
CVAS was founded in 1992 as a small chemistry forage lab serving the local dairy industry in south central Pennsylvania and Maryland. Since then, it has grown significantly by providing cutting edge forage evaluation services in a quick, accurate, and cost effective manner. Today, CVAS has more than 90 employees and is the largest chemistry-based feed labs in the nation.
For more information on CVAS, visit www.foragelab.com.
For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or DCED, visit dced.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Megan Healey, Governor’s Office, 717.783.1116
David Misner, DCED, 717.783.1132