MERCER — U.S. Investigative Services got nearly $2 million Thursday to push its area workforce to nearly 2,000.

The money came from the efforts of the Governor's Action Team and was delivered by Gov. Ed Rendell.

USIS, which provides security products and services to government agencies, also is investing some $7 million of its own money on information technology infrastructure and software.

Besides creating 327 jobs, USIS has to retain 1,601 jobs as a condition for the grant.

The action team's $1.95 million offer to USIS includes a $650,000 opportunity grant, $325,000 in customized job training funds and $981,000 in job creation tax credits. The money is only for the company's Grove City operation.

Other money from the same state program is expected for the USIS facility in Boyers, as well as other companies in Butler County, said Penny Kline of the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

USIS has 1,600 employees in Grove City and Boyers with a total of 7,000 across the nation and overseas.

Michael John, vice president of corporate communications for USIS, said the company's success in Western Pennsylvania stems from its workforce.

"We really consider our Pennsylvania operations, in particular in Western Pennsylvania, as the foundation of our company because of the quality of the people we have onboard there."

John said USIS began in Western Pennsylvania 11 years ago and the area remains a key location for doing background checks and investigations for the federal government.

Grove City Mayor Randy Riddle attended the governor's presentation and said he is proud to be a part of an expanding and ever-growing community.

"It's very good for Grove City as USIS is a major employer in our community and we like to do whatever we can to support their efforts in being a part of that community," Riddle said.

John said it is an honor to be recognized by the governor as a large player in the state.

"As we work for new business opportunities it is great to be recognized by the state and to receive a grant that we intend to use for this type of development."

Kline said USISwill invest $7 million in its information technology infrastructure and software, as well as other systems designed to make the business operate more smoothly and create a foundation for growth.