HERMITAGE, Pa. - Union workers at a plant that makes aluminum bottles for Iron City Beer and Snapple soft drinks, among others, approved a new four-year contract that will enable the company to expand and add 60 jobs, company officials said.

The new contract means the $35 million expansion will occur at CCL Container's plant in Hermitage, instead of the company's Canadian plant in Penetang, outside of Toronto. The expansion will add three new lines within three years in the plant, which also makes aluminum aerosol cans.

The International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America Local 88648 represents 152 production and maintenance workers at the Mercer County plant. Their last contract wasn't to expire until July 1, but the union wanted to sign early so the plant could expand and add jobs, said local president Jeff Smegal.

The contract includes 3.5 percent raises each year, but workers will pay more for health care.

CCL Container has a third plant in Mexico City.

ERIE - The U.S. Commercial Service will open an office in Erie to save entrepreneurs the long commute to Pittsburgh.The federal agency helps businesses navigate the complexities of foreign trade.The Erie office is opening in partnership with Gannon University's Small Business Development Center.It will be one of only about 10 U.S. Commercial Service offices that are set up in smaller cities and rural areas, said Lyn Doverspike, director of the agency's Pittsburgh office.The office will help business owners find new markets for their products, said U.S. Rep. Phil English."From my experience, the more local companies are aware of these services and are willing to plug into them, the bigger the potential," English said. "This is clearly going to create opportunities and jobs in our area."