Steele, committee hears testimony on manufacturing job creation
Lawmakers examine clean energy manufacturing, great opportunity to add jobs
Policy Committee July 30, 2024 | 12:14 PM
CHESWICK, July 30 – The economic future of Pennsylvania, including the new creation of thousands of jobs, has been spurred by clean energy manufacturing and energy efficiency. Western Pennsylvania has a historic legacy in manufacturing, however, testifiers at a public policy hearing detailed that legacy has been built through embracing innovations – a key aspect the region will need as it continues to compete in the mid-Atlantic region for manufacturing jobs.
“We know clean energy manufacturing is a tremendous opportunity in this commonwealth that has never existed before,” said Rep. Mandy Steele, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “We have the potential for unbelievable job creation and business growth, and we learned more about the thousands of jobs being created and the potential to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pennsylvania from Asia – but it’s important the state continues to support these efforts to maximize this moment.”
The hearing took place at Vitro Architectural Glass, the largest glass producer in North America and the Western Hemisphere.
Tuesday’s House Majority Policy hearing featured testimony from Paul Bush of Vitro Architectural Glass; Doug Gudenburr of DMI Companies; Erik Widner of Exus Renewables; and Donald Evans of Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation.
Testimony focused on partnerships and how government policies have affected businesses, including driving job growth.
“Manufacturers highlighted how companies have become greater stewards of Pennsylvania’s resources and how that shift has helped drive job creation and economic growth,” said Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County.
Vitro reiterated its commitment to manufacture glass for the company’s film photovoltaic solar panels for First Solar, with Vitro investing a total of $93.6 million to rebuild and modernize a production line at its Meadville Plant located in Cochranton to support First Solar’s growing manufacturing footprint in the United States.
The plant will add 140 well-paying jobs at the plant and an estimated 140-or-more jobs as part of its supply line needs. Vitro noted its average production worker earns $80,000 a year with full benefits.
Initiated in 2011, DMI Companies’ Monongahela plant ultimately became a zero waste to landfill company, and it continues to consider the entire lifecycle of products it utilizes.
Widner testified, if funding is secured, an expected 1,100 jobs could be created at the Findlay Industrial Park, which is located near the border of Allegheny and Washington counties. The timeline for that job creation could happen as soon as in the next three years.
Evans highlighted that it’s easy to be proud of western Pennsylvania’s manufacturing legacy, but he pinpointed that the great legacy of the region was only built because of the region’s continual ability to embrace manufacturing innovations.
Tuesday’s hearing marked the 30th Policy Committee event of the year. The committee travels the state to hear directly from workers, advocates, industry leaders, executives and experts on the issues and policies affecting Pennsylvania.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries. A livestream of the hearing can be found at http://repzabel.com/PolicyCommittee/events?ID=134993.