Tasty Baking Co., Philadelphia,   which manufactures baked products under the Tastykake brand, will move to a new, highly automated bakery and distribution center in Philadelphia’s  Navy Yard in 2009.

A public aid award of $32.6 million will help fund the move and preserve manufacturing jobs.

“We cannot ignore manufacturing jobs where men and women can earn more than just a living wage,” Pennsylvania Governor Rendell said.
The aid awarded includes $2.4 million to remove asbestos and other toxic materials left by the Navy, a $1 million loan and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone tax breaks until 2018.

Five buildings will be constructed on the former base, including the 345,000-sq.-ft. bakery and distribution center, which will be the largest building on the site, and will sit on 25 acres near the yard’s 26th Street entrance. The company said it will spend $75 million on equipment and other project-related expenses.

The number of production lines will be cut from 15 to seven, resulting in the elimination of 215 jobs. Tasty Baking Co.’s headquarters will move to the nearby Navy Yard Corporate Center. In addition to the manfacturing facility, three buildings totaling 169,000 sq. ft. will serve office and industrial purposes. Construction will begin in late 2008.