Five companies in the northern suburbs are among those benefiting from 43 economic development projects around the state aimed at creating jobs and keeping old ones.

The state has invested $35 million in the projects, which are coordinated through the Governor's Action Team and are expected to create 2,000 jobs over three years and keep 7,300 existing ones. The team of economic development professionals address issues such as business locations, relocations or expansions, using loans, grants, job training and technical assistance.

Here are the companies in the northern suburbs involved in the projects:

Hussey Copper Ltd. is relocating a production line from Kentucky to its plant in Leetsdale. The move is expected to create 25 new jobs within three years and keep 292 positions. The company is undertaking a $1.2 million expansion project, which will include rebuilding its plant entrance because of a bypass project into the Leetsdale Industrial Park. Hussey Copper produces electrical copper bar for use in rolling mills. Allegheny County Economic Development helped the company secure a $612,500 financial package offer from state Department of Community and Economic Development, consisting of a $500,000 loan, a $70,000 opportunity grant, $17,500 in job training funds and $25,000 in job creation tax credits. For more information about the company, go to www.husseycopper.com.

Tsudis Chocolate Co. has expanded its family-owned candy manufacturing business in O'Hara, creating 65 full-time positions as part of its $2.2 million manufacturing expansion. Tsudis will keep 35 existing employees. Allegheny County Economic Development worked with Tsudis to obtain a $689,750 financial package offer from the state Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $500,000 loan, a $55,000 opportunity grant, $24,750 in job training funds and $110,000 in job creation tax credits.

Giant Eagle Inc.. headquartered in O'Hara, is creating 150 new jobs and keeping 3,000 existing positions statewide as the result of a $3.3 million expansion. The company has bought five information support systems that are expected to streamline its headquarters, warehouse and distribution, logistics and pharmacy operations. Allegheny County Economic Development helped the company secure a $450,000 financial package offer from Department of Community and Economic Development that consists of a $150,000 opportunity grant, $150,000 in job training funds and $150,000 in job creation tax credits. For more information about Giant Eagle, visit www.gianteagle.com.

Applied Test Systems Inc. is expanding in East Butler and is expected to create 25 new jobs within three years and keep 60 existing positions. The company, which manufactures equipment for materials testing and heating applications, has sold its New Castle Road facility and is relocating its operations to two nearby facilities on Brookside Lane and Railroad Street. Applied Test Systems expects its expansion to total $3.3 million. The Community Development Corp. of Butler County helped the company obtain a $142,500 funding offer from Department of Community Economic Development that includes a $50,000 opportunity grant, $17,500 in job training funds and $75,000 in job creation tax credits. For more information about the company, go to www.atspa.com.

Start-up company North American Wire LLC has bought the assets of International Staple & Machine Co. and plans to restart operations at the facility in downtown Butler. The steel wire manufacturer's $2.8 million project is expected to create 28 jobs. The Community Development Corp. of Butler County helped the company secure a $93,600 financial package from the Department of Community and Economic Development, consisting of a $25,000 opportunity grant, $12,600 in job training funds and $56,000 in job creation tax credits.

In addition to those projects announced last month, Gov. Ed Rendell last week said state investments have helped US Investigations Services LLC create 327 jobs in the Boyers section of Marion, Butler County, and in Grove City, Mercer County. The company provides security products and services and will retain 1,601 positions. The company is investing about $7 million.

The $1.95 million offer to the company includes a $650,000 opportunity grant, $325,000 in job training funds and $981,000 in job creation tax credits.