Power Home Remodeling Group - formerly, Power Windows and Siding - officially opened its new headquarters on Chester's waterfront on Tuesday.
The company's move from Brookhaven to Chester will usher in hundreds of new jobs with a focus on green products and energy efficient home solutions.
"Over the next two years we plan to create 1,000 new jobs in this area," said co-founder Jeff Kaliner.
Governor Rendell awarded Power a $200,000 grant this past year, which included $100,000 for training, leading to many of those jobs for Chester residents.
"I started off working part-time doing data entry. Now I do marketing," said employee Abbi Goldman. "I've met so many people and my paycheck has gotten better!"
Working with the Buccicni/Pollin Group of Wilmington, Power selected the Warf at Rivertown for its new headquarters - much to the delight of Mayor Wendell Butler.
"They said 'We're going to do everything we can to endear ourselves to your residents," Mayor Butler said. "I said 'That's what we want!'"
Power's sole window manufacturer, Northeast Building Products based in Northeast Philadelphia, is the recipient of 2009 stimulus funding. President Obama recognized it as a success story of the Recovery Act during his state of the Union Address last year.
Power and Northeast Building partnered six years ago.
"They're a phenomenal company and together, I think, we're going to grow tremendously," said Alan Levine, President of Northeast Building Products.
Power will be launching a program this year offering courses and scholarship opportunities to Chester youth.
