SEPTEMBER 2, 1971

Panther Valley will bear the distinction this Fall of having the first and only plant in this country where genuine velvet ribbons are produced.

The new industry, where predominantly-male employment is indicated, is seen as another step in the valley’s efforts to achieve industrial diversification.

A lease agreement was signed this week by officials of the Carbon-Schuylkill Industrial Development Corporation and Velvet Ribbons, Inc., of New York City, whereby the firm will occupy the former Lehigh and New England Railroad freight station on Dock Street, Lansford.

Twenty-one job opportunities are expected to be created in the first year, with a projection of 48 jobs at the end of three years.

As far as it can be determined, only eight plants in the entire world produce velvet ribbon, and this industry has been confined to European plants.