National Fuel Gas Company today announced the purchase of an office building and an approximate 10-acre parcel on East Lake Road in the City of Erie. Following renovations, the facility – once the headquarters of the Hammermill Paper Company – will become the primary office location for National Fuel’s Pennsylvania and Ohio regulated businesses, housing nearly 300 employees.

“We are proud to continue growing our presence in Erie,” said Joseph Del Vecchio, President of National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation. “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and supports continued economic development in the community.”

The need for expanded office space is driven in part by anticipated workforce growth tied to National Fuel’s pending acquisition of a natural gas utility in the Dayton, Ohio area, which serves more than 335,000 customers. The purchase follows an extensive search process led by National Fuel’s broker SBRE – Sherry Bauer Real Estate. The new facility will also serve the needs of the Company’s Pipeline and Storage and Gathering businesses, as well as various support functions for the Company’s natural gas operations.

“As we move forward with our Ohio acquisition, we expect to add more than 80 new jobs in Erie over the next year plus,” said Michael Colpoys, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. “This reflects our commitment to investing and growing in a business-friendly environment.”

The East Lake Road building will be modernized, with renovations expected to take 10 to 12 months.

National Fuel has also completed the sale of its long-term Erie office at 1100 State Street. The Company will lease the building for approximately one year while construction is underway at the new office, with employees relocating to East Lake Road upon completion of the renovations. The new owner plans to redevelop the downtown property into a mixed used project, bringing added retail and commercial activity to the area.

National Fuel will continue working closely with employees and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) is a diversified energy company headquartered in Buffalo, NY. The Company operates an integrated collection of natural gas assets across three key business segments: integrated upstream and gathering, pipeline and storage, and utility. National Fuel’s operations span the Appalachian region and serve customers in New York and Pennsylvania.