TARTAGLIONE: HUNDREDS OF JOBS TO BE CREATED WITH PHILADELPHIA EXPANSION OF PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY

PHILADELPHIA, May 17, 2005 - State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Phila.) joined Governor Ed Rendell today to announce that URL/Mutual is expanding and will create at least 325 jobs by the end of 2006, as well as, retain 441 existing jobs.

     “With the decline of the manufacturing industry that has been the lifeblood of Pennsylvania’s economy, it is important that we support businesses like URL/Mutual that continue to employ our workers and contribute to Pennsylvania’s economic growth,” Tartaglione said.

     The pharmaceutical manufacturing company is expanding operations at its new Dungan Road facility.  The company is also planning improvements at its existing Orthodox Street facility. 

     “Pennsylvania’s pharmaceutical industry has matured into a $19 billion industry, thanks to companies like URL/Mutual,” Tartaglione said.  “It is now the state’s largest manufacturing sector.”

     The Governor’s Action Team, consisting of economic development professionals, worked with URL/Mutual on its $22 million expansion project.  The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has agreed to provide funding totaling $5.45 million for the completion of the project.

 “One of the cornerstones of Governor Rendell’s Administration is the economic development of the Commonwealth,” Tartaglione said.  “I am pleased that Governor Rendell has recognized URL/Mutual and provided the means for them to retain important jobs here in our community, as well as, provide the opportunity for the expansion of their operation.”

     URL/Mutual, headquartered in Philadelphia for more than 50 years, is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of generic and branded pharmaceutical products.