Erie County Times

One of the largest manufactured-home-building companies in the country will be moving its operations into Pennsylvania.

Cavco Industries recently purchased Commodore Corporation, now known as Commodore Homes LLC; Gov. Tom Wolf said in a press release from his office this week. Commodore has three home-production facilities located in Clarion and Butler Counties, and the expansion will create 55 new jobs and retain 607 existing jobs over the next three years. 

Cavco Industries specializes in creating quality, affordable homes intended to meet the needs of today's changing lifestyles.

"Cavco is excited about the combination of Commodore and Cavco," Steve Like, Cavco senior vice president for Business Development, said in the release. "This acquisition allows Cavco to expand its business into the northeastern U.S. housing markets we have not previously served. Commodore's strong reputation for quality and service, combined with the experienced and talented workforce at its Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities, provide the basis for potential future growth."

Cavco will join with Commodore Homes LLC to invest and expand operations at facilities located at 4 Pennwest Way, Emlenton, in Butler County; and at 20898 and 20510 Paint Boulevard, Shippenville, in Clarion County. The investment will lead to expansion through construction, renovation, equipment and infrastructure improvements.

Cavco received a funding proposal through the Department of Community and Economic Development for a Pennsylvania First grant amounting to $220,000, as well as a $98,000 workforce development grant to train employees. More than $8 million has been committed by Cavco for the expansion project.

The project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, which consists of economic development professionals who report to the governor and work with businesses that are relocating to Pennsylvania or expanding into the Quaker State. More than $16.2 billion has been invested by Wolf during the seven years he has been in office, helping to support 409 projects; 45,500 new jobs and the retaining of 104,300 jobs in the state.

"Having a nationally recognized company like Cavco choose to expand their operations in Pennsylvania sends a very clear message to other businesses about the strength of our manufacturing sector," Wolf said in the release. "We are pleased to support this expansion project that will create and retain a total of 662 jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economies."