PetSmart Distribution Center Will Bring 500 Jobs to Region

PetSmart will expand its presence in Berks County with the opening of a distribution center northwest of Reading that will create at least 500 jobs, 

PetSmart will build a $50 million, 870,000-square-foot distribution center in Berks Park 78, a new industrial park in Bethel Township. Construction is scheduled to start in the fall, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2014.

The project is expected to create at least 500 new jobs by 2016.

The company received a $2.3 million funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including a $1 million Pa. First grant, $245,250 in job training assistance and $1.09 million in job creation tax credits, state officials said.

The Governor's Action Team, made up of a group of economic development professionals, worked with the Berks County Industrial Development Authority to bring PetSmart’s new distribution facility to Pennsylvania, officials said.

PetSmart Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of products, services, and solutions for pets. The company operates more than 1,200 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, including stores in Muhlenberg Township and Wyomissing.