Fayette undersea warfare systems company will expand in North Union, add 36 new jobs

Jun. 17—A Fayette County manufacturer of undersea warfare systems will add more than 30,000 square feet to its North Union facility and add nearly 40 jobs, state officials announced Thursday.

Advanced Acoustic Concepts, which provides undersea warfare, or USW, solutions for USW systems, sensors, weapons and trainers including the U.S. Navy, will expand its main building in the University Business Park in North Union's Lemont Furnace neighborhood. The $1.2 million move will allow the company to increase manufacturing capacity and add 36 full-time positions.

"This expansion will enable Advanced Acoustic Concepts to further grow its existing operations serving the defense industry," said Advanced Acoustic Concepts Vice President and General Manager of Pennsylvania Operations Frank Gall. "The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and the Governor's Action Team have been invaluable in helping our company remain in the local area and provide positive employment and growth opportunities for the community."

The Governor's Action Team is a group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

The company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a $121,600 Pennsylvania First Grant and $60,000 in grant funding for workforce training. The company's landlord has also received a low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.

The Lemont Furnace facility is already the largest in the company, which has locations in New York, Maryland, Virginia, California and Washington, D.C.

"The best in technological innovation and manufacturing expertise are givens when it comes to national security. This convergence is core to the Pittsburgh region's industrial legacy and future. Manufacturers are poised to lead the next technological revolution. Advanced Acoustic Concepts' long-standing presence and recent plans for growth in Fayette County are a testament to what our region offers companies that are focused on building 'what's next,'" said Mark Thomas, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, the region's economic development organization and an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

Bob Shank, executive director for the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, said the state was a crucial partner in helping foster the company's expansion.

"The commonwealth stepped up to assist us in creating an attractive construction financing package to allow for their continuing growth," Shank said. "The expansion we're providing for them is another milestone in our overall economic development efforts."

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at 724-850-2862, pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter .