Hewlett-Packard, the world's largest PC maker, could find a new home in East Pennsboro Township soon.
The PC giant is scoping out sites in the area for a potential move that could bring about 700 jobs to the region, according to Jonathan Bowser, CEO of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation.
Bowser said he hasn't spoken with any representatives from HP but heard the jobs will be mostly high paying and administrative.
HP is rumored to be looking near Holy Spirit Hospital in the new building next to the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg. HP's corporate office could not confirm a new location in East Pennsboro Township.
East Pennsboro Township also is home to national drug store chain Rite-Aid. There are other major national and regional corporations along the West Shore, including engineering firm Gannett Fleming Inc., which is based in Camp Hill.
The West Shore communities are particularly attractive to businesses because of the level of education in the communities and the number of young professionals that live in the area, Bowser said.
Plus, there's the tax rate in Cumberland County, which is one of the lowest in the state, making the area attractive to employers and employees alike. There's also a good school system, proximity to Harrisburg's urban center and the entertainment and restaurant scene in the area that's likely to draw residents in.
"An employer is not going to locate an office where they can't attract employees," Bowser said. "Once you factor in all these components, it makes the West Shore more attractive to corporations."
HP's arrival in the area is expected to have a boost on the entire region, particularly because of the number of jobs the company is expected to bring.
"If you look at bringing that many sustainable jobs to the region, it will have that much of a positive impact on our region," Bowser said.
HP already has offices in East Pennsboro Township, which once boasted about 1,000 employees, though that number dipped after several series of layoffs.