BENSALEM — A coordinated effort among Sen. Frank Farry (R-6), Rep. K.C. Tomlinson (R-18), Bensalem Township Mayor Joe DiGirolamo and Bensalem Township Council President Edward Tokmajian Jr. is helping pave the way for a $150 million investment and 250 manufacturing jobs at a vacant building in Bensalem Township.
Bensalem Township Council approved an ordinance establishing a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program for the vacant property at 4626 Somerton Road in Trevose. The 19.5-acre property includes a 320,000 square-foot building that could become the new home of a nationally recognized, fourth generation family-owned company.
All four leaders played instrumental roles in advancing this opportunity, working together to make the property more competitive and demonstrate the benefits of bringing the company’s operations to Bensalem Township. Farry worked directly with the company’s owner during negotiations, while also championing the property’s Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) designation in Harrisburg alongside Tomlinson, helping make the site more attractive against other states.
“This is a great example of state and local government working together to create opportunities for our communities,” said Farry. “By working with the company’s owner and coordinating efforts across multiple levels of government, we’ve helped make Pennsylvania and Bucks County a competitive choice for this investment. The potential for hundreds of family-sustaining jobs and a $150 million investment would have a tremendous impact on Bensalem and its surrounding communities.”
“Bringing a company like this to Bucks County would mean good-paying jobs for our residents and a significant investment in our local economy,” said Tomlinson. “We want to make sure Bensalem remains a great place to live, work, and do business and I’m excited about this opportunity and the tax relief it will bring to Bensalem residents.”
The LERTA ordinance approved by the township council last night provides an additional incentive to support the proposed redevelopment. Under the program, the company may qualify for a real estate tax abatement on the increased assessed value resulting from eligible improvements to the property for a maximum of ten years. The abatement applies only to the increased assessed value attributable to qualifying improvements. The company will continue paying real estate taxes on the property’s existing assessed value. The incentive is intended to help offset the cost of renovating and retrofitting the vacant facility and installing the equipment necessary for the company’s operations.
“Having an out-of-state company choose Bensalem for its business operations and corporate headquarters is an extraordinary opportunity for our township,” said DiGirolamo. “LERTA is an important tool that helps us compete with other communities and attract businesses looking to invest and grow and I am excited this has passed through council.”
“Last night’s approval of this LERTA represents an important step in strengthening Bensalem’s economy and creating new opportunities for our residents,” said Tokmajian. “By working together, council and the administration are taking a proactive approach to attracting private investment, bringing nearly 300 potential jobs to our community, and putting existing commercial space to productive use. We will continue building on these efforts to encourage responsible economic development, strengthen our tax base and ensure Bensalem remains a great place to live, work and do business.”
Beyond the investment and job creation, the project could create opportunities to partner with local technical schools and community colleges to prepare workers with manufacturing careers. The company has expressed a desire to become a community partner and establish lasting ties to the area.
While the company continues coordinating its plans and employee needs, details are being withheld to respect the company’s communication plans as discussions continue.
The proposed LERTA program must now move through the applicable approval processes with the Bensalem School District and Bucks County.