HARRISBURG, June 27, 2013 - - State Sen. John Yudichak on Thursday applauded the announcement that a $1.6 million expansion project by Technical Process and Engineering, Inc. (TPE) will result in 34 new and retained jobs in Carbon County.

TPE is planning to add a 6,000 square-foot expansion to its existing 22,000 square-foot facility in Lehighton."As our region continues to lag behind the rest of the state in unemployment and job creation numbers, this announcement is certainly encouraging and welcome news for Northeastern Pennsylvania's economy," Yudichak said. "This project is a great example of how public-private partnerships can help spur economic development and create jobs for Pennsylvania families."Technical Process and Engineering, Inc. received over $400,000 in support from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the expansion project that included nearly $70,000 in grants and tax credits and a $340,000, 10-year low-interest loan.TPE manufactures equipment for the plastics and rubber industries.