Snyder's of Hanover's intention to acquire Utz Quality Foods is seen by some as a positive not just for both companies, but also the economy of Hanover.

The snack food company announced Wednesday it had plans to buy Utz, pending approval from the Federal Trade Commission.

While Snyder's marketed its products across North America, Utz focused mainly on the East Coast.

In a press release, company officials said they believed the acquisition will give them the moxy to compete on the national snack market.

"We are pleased to announce that two market leaders will be combining forces to create a stronger company that will strengthen our position in the marketplace, serve our retailers and vendors better, and continue to give consumers the brands and products that they have loved from both companies," said Carl Lee Jr., Snyder's of Hanover president and chief executive officer.

A Penn State University professor said Utz can only help Snyder's.

"I think that Snyder's is smart to buy Utz if trying to compete with Frito-Lay and other big players," said Jennifer Chang Coupland, clinical associate professor of marketing. "Utz has fairly established products in the marketplace and distinctive ones, too."

Because of its national reach, with warehouses and factories in other states, Snyder's has the ability to take Utz products into other markets.

Company officials said they planned to keep all four local Utz plants open, as well as the Snyder's plant on York

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Street. They also said no one is expected to lose their jobs and Lee even predicted more jobs would be added as the product lines grow.

Locally, the news can only be positive, said Gary Laird, president of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce. Both companies are two of the largest employers in the area.

"They're putting themselves in a position to combine their efforts and become more competitive," he said. "If you have a company looking to expand, ultimately is going to see job growth, I think that's a real positive for the community."

Even competitors said they are happy to hear of the business plans for Snyder's and Utz.

"I am so proud of Snyder's," said Ken Potter, former chief executive officer and president of Martin's Potato Chips in Thomasville.

But stopped short of predicting the impact on local companies.

"No one is going to know," he said. "The effect is minimal, that's the way I feel. I don't think Martin's is going to miss a beat.

"The number one chip in Pennsylvania is Martin's. We'll let the rest of the guys fight over the rest."

Also of interest

· Who makes the best potato chips in York County, Martin's or Utz? Or someone else?

· Chipmaking of the potato kind has deep roots in York County.