July 25, 2017
California-based toy manufacturer Mattel – the company behind Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars – will hire as many as to 400 employees to staff a new East Coast distribution center that opened Tuesday in Lebanon County.
The new facility, in the Jonestown's Gateway Logistics Park area, will be run by commercial fleet management firm Ryder System, Inc. At 1,000,200 square feet, the distribution center eventually will house Mega Brands and Fisher-Price products in addition to those from Mattel.
"We are excited to open our newest distribution center in Jonestown," said Philippe Lambotte, senior vice president of global logistics and planning at Mattel. "This facility is centrally located to our customers in the region, allowing us to serve them more rapidly and efficiently. In addition, we are proud to create more job opportunities for our neighbors in the community and help the local workforce."
The addition, the East Coast distribution center, located at the junction of interstates 81 and 78, marks Mattel's third in the United States.
Susan Eberly, president and CEO of the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, welcomed Mattel to the community and touted the economic benefits of the new distribution center.
"Their beloved toys and consumer products have had a special place in the hearts and homes of our citizens for decades, and now, this distribution center will enable the company to directly contribute to and invest in our local economy as well."
