The Chester County Economic Development Council worked with Gov. Ed Rendell's action team to secure approximately $5.2 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. In addition, Herr is eligible to apply for a low-cost loan of up to $5 million through the state's First Industries Fund. The incentive package also includes a grant of up to $75,000 in opportunity grants, up to $28,800 in customized job training funds and up to $128,000 in job creation tax credits.

The new plant will be used to produce a new line of cheese curls and other new snack products. In a statement James Herr, president and CEO of the company that was founded in Pennsylvania 61 years ago, says he "appreciates the support we have received for the project."

The family-owned company manufactures and distributes more than 350 snack products, including Herr's brand potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, crackers and nuts, all in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors, throughout the Northeast. It expects to add 64 new jobs to its existing work force of 470 at this facility within the next three years. More than 75% of its products are produced here, although it has a total of 1,500 employees, primarily related to direct-to-store distribution. A call to Herr was not returned by deadline.