Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association President Darlene J. Robbins, one of 24 members of the Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council, announced that
the group has sent its recommendations to Governor Tom Corbett and the state Legislature.
The council, whose work was designed to help strengthen the manufacturing sector, lists the lack of a talented and highly educated workforce as its top concern.
"With nearly 15,000 manufacturing establishments across the commonwealth, the outlook is bright for continued growth," said Robbins. "Pennsylvania firms have shown growth in both sales and in jobs since 2010. Manufacturing is the engine of our economy and in Pennsylvania; our manufacturers are adding $60 billion in value every year,
while employing 575,000 Pennsylvanians."
To read a copy of the full GMAC report, background on the council's work and a list of council members, visit Team Pennsylvania Foundation website at www.teampa.com/manufacturingcouncil.
Gov. Corbett had charged in January the non-profit group Team Pennsylvania Foundation to lead the council to "identify and prioritize top issues that can help influence, sustain and advance that sector in the commonwealth." Manufacturing adds $75 billion to the state's economy annually, according to state statistics.
Co-chaired by Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker and Carlos Cardoso, Chairman, President & CEO, Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, the council gathered information about challenges facing the industry from industry experts and manufacturers and compiled its findings over a six-month period beginning in January.
The 24-member council consisted of a diverse array of manufacturing interests and companies located throughout the commonwealth.
During a press conference last Tuesday at Westport Axle in Breinigsville, Gov. Corbett made a few remarks about the council as well as the report. "I commend the work of this council and their commitment to this critical Pennsylvania industry," said Corbett. "I am proud to say my administration has already taken the first steps to address some of the highlighted issues and we look forward to working with industry leaders to address others identified in this report."
For more information on the report or the council, please call the MAEA office at 570-622-0992 or email Darlene J. Robbins at
