One business expanding, another coming

One of Coudersport's newest employers is expanding to accommodate additional call center jobs in the coming months.

AP Wagner, an appliance parts supplier that opened a center in the Coudersport Industrial Park earlier this year, will relocate to the former International Paper Company office complex on East Second Street.

That building has reportedly been purchased from the Adelphia estate by the Potter County Redevelopment Authority for about $92,500, far below its $250,000 appraised value.

AP Wagner will move there to solve a space crunch at its current location in the Coudersport Industrial Park and probably add to its current work force of 35.

Another employer has been lined up by the Redevelopment Authority to occupy the current AP Wagner building. Additional details will be announced.

The success of AP Wagner is unique, in that it involves a company shutting off its foreign customer care operations to return those jobs to the U.S. and serve a growing customer base. N.Y., servicing washing machines and later expanded into sales of parts and other appliances. Competitors were acquired and branch offices opened over the next three decades. The popularity of the Internet allowed AP Wagner to expand its reach even further.

Today, the company is the largest multinational distributor of appliance parts and accessories in the Northeast. AP Wagner services a growing network of appliance dealers, service technicians and do-it yourselfers. Corporate offices are located in Depew, N.Y., with 18 branch locations distributed in the U.S. and Canada.

AP Wagner houses one of the most extensive inventories in the business, representing major manufacturers such as Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire and GE.