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Key Industries

Manufacturing

Red Crayola crayons sit in large boxes in a Crayola factory

Engineering the Future of Manufacturing 

Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry is an undeniable force. Not only does the sector employ 1 in 10 residents, it contributes more than $116 billion to our state economy each year. With our strong infrastructure and powerful supply of resources, PA is primed for manufacturers looking to scale operations and lead in a competitive market.

Our regions deliver specialized expertise in diverse manufacturing segments. In the Central and Northern regions, plastic product manufacturing integrates seamlessly with the life sciences industry. Metallurgy and metal manufacturing span the state, strengthening robotics, technology, and energy. Meanwhile, our paper product manufacturing continues to evolve and deliver essential materials across sectors. The Commonwealth is investing $500 million in site development to prepare more shovel ready industrial and commercial sites — so companies can get to work, fast.  

We’re also equipping Pennsylvanians with the hands-on skills they need to meet the demands of modern advanced manufacturing. Through initiatives like Manufacturing PA and our cutting-edge apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, we are preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Since 2023, we’ve secured $23.5 million in workforce development funding and launched the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program, set to create 10,000 new jobs. In Pennsylvania, manufacturing is more than just an industry; it’s the foundation for a future built on innovation. 

We understand that for the U.S. to thrive, more Americans need to work in the high-paying, long-term jobs that manufacturing can provide... it requires a true private-public partnership. That’s why we are so happy to be establishing this operation in New Kensington, where we have been impressed by the commitment of local and state government, educational institutions, RIDC, and local philanthropies... to invest alongside us to build a better future for the local community and our country.”

- Miles Arnone, CEO, Re: Build Manufacturing (New Kensington)

Jared Grissinger

Jared Grissinger

Managing Director, Project & Account Management

717.214.5313 | jgrissinge@pa.gov

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In the News: PA Manufacturing

A large group of factory works, Gov. Shapiro, and Sec. Rick Siger, pose for a group photo in a manufacturing facility.

Commonwealth investing $2 million in Joseph Machine Company, creating local manufacturing jobs

Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced a $2 million investment in York County manufacturer, through the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). This grant will support the company's planned 150,000-square-foot facility and is expected to create up to 150 new positions upon completion of the project.

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A large group of factory works, Gov. Shapiro, and Sec. Rick Siger, pose for a group photo in a manufacturing facility.
Gov. Josh Shapiro talks with a Versatex employee in a tour of the manufacturing floor. A large American flag hangs from the ceiling over a small crowd of executives.

Versatex announces $40 million PA expansion, creating 80 new jobs in Beaver County

Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined Versatex leadership and local leaders to announce that the company - a leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable outdoor living products - is investing $40 million in a project that includes new production capacity and the construction of a new, 96,500-square-foot facility at the Aliquippa Industrial Park in Beaver County. The project is expected to create at least 80 new jobs, building upon the current workforce of approximately 180 employees based in Aliquippa and over 400 in Scranton.

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6th Largest Manufacturing Industry in the U.S. by Employment

IndustrySelect, 2024
$116 Billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) PA Economic Development Strategy, 2024
$30 Million Increase in CTE Programming and Equipment 2024-25 State Budget
45 New Apprenticeship Programs (Since January 2023) PA.GOV, 2024
564,700+ Employees in Manufacturing Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council

Notable PA Manufacturing Businesses

Want to Dive Deeper?

Check out our interactive data map and learn everything there is to know about Manufacturing in Pennsylvania.

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Funding & Resources

See some of of the many programs and resources available to manufacturing businesses in Pennsylvania.

Grants support workforce programs that result in short-term work-readiness training, entry-level job placement, or the advancement of the manufacturing industry.

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The Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program provides Pennsylvania employers with grants to help cover expenses related to instruction complementing on-the-job training. 

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The Manufacturing PA Innovation Program brings together businesses and internationally acclaimed science and engineering talent and discovery capacity of Pennsylvania’s top research institutions. Undergraduate and graduate student fellows at PA universities work with PA manufacturers to advance new products or process innovations.

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WEDnetPA provides employers with training funds for new and existing employees. It’s a unique, collaborative partnership between community colleges, state system universities, and other educational institutions working together to respond to the evolving needs of Pennsylvania’s business community. 

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The BFTP are a national model for technology-based economic development programs. BFTP provides both early-stage, technology-based firms and established manufacturers with funding, business and technical expertise, and access to a network of innovative, expert resources.

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The PA EDGE program provides tax credits to expanding businesses in critical manufacturing sectors. Manufacturers purchasing clean hydrogen and natural gas from a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (RCHH) many qualify for tax credits through the PA Department of Revenue.

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The Industrial Resource Centers are a network of seven private, nonprofits located strategically throughout the state to provide localized support. The network works with manufacturers to respond to changing market conditions, adopt new technology, and on creating strategies to remain competitive in today’s global economy.

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The NextManufacturing Center at Carnegie Mellon University is one of the world’s leading research centers for additive manufacturing. The Center offers workforce training in collaboration with local nonprofits to capitalize on the abundance of manufacturing employers in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Center also offers the only undergraduate Additive Manufacturing course in the country.

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