“Re:Build is committed to reindustrializing America and doing so in communities that have been abandoned by companies chasing cheap labor around the world, including in China,” said Miles Arnone, CEO of Re:Build Manufacturing. “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. We also know that we can’t reverse decades of deindustrialization by ourselves; 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, including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, to invest alongside us to build a better future for the local community and our country.”
Re:Build and RIDC received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $1.5 million Pennsylvania First grant, a $7 million grant through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, and are encouraged to apply for loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) — all of which is focused on rejuvenating the New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park.
“We are thrilled to welcome Re:Build to the Pittsburgh region,” said Matt Smith, Chief Growth Officer of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “Re:Build is bringing to Westmoreland County and our entire region the vision and capacity that can accomplish something truly transformational for manufacturing and a new generation of manufacturers – not only here, but across the country. Manufacturing has deep roots in southwestern Pennsylvania. The products we made here were pivotal to the building of the modern world. This investment honors that legacy but puts a focus on building manufacturing’s future, which is happening now in the Pittsburgh region. We look forward to the opportunities Re: Build will spark – leveraging innovative technologies and new techniques – for the industry and the significant and exciting employment it will create for people here.”
Prysmian Group North America to Invest $22.5M In Manufacturing Expansion
In Williamsport, Prysmian Group North America will expand its existing Williamsport manufacturing facility, creating at least 27 new jobs in Lycoming County and retaining a total of 407 jobs statewide. This investment will increase Prysmian’s domestic manufacturing capacity of advanced transmission conductor technology, a critical component for ensuring the reliability and resilience of the U.S. power grid.
“The expansion of our Williamsport facility will support the growing needs of the power distribution market across North America and serve as an investment in both our factory and our current and future employees,” said Andrea Pirondini, CEO of Prysmian Group North America. “This facility upgrade, funded substantially by a long-term supply agreement with Invenergy Transmission, will support Prysmian’s Advanced E3X conductor technology, used to build key long-distance high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission projects across the U.S., including the Grain Belt Express line and New Mexico North Path line. Through this agreement, we will supply up to 12,500 miles of overhead conductor cable from the Williamsport facility through 2029 to support Invenergy’s portfolio, helping to deliver electricity Americans can count on.”
Prysmian will expand its Williamsport facility by doubling its capacity to manufacture advanced transmission conductors with E3X technology and thereby increasing the amount of power that can be moved without increasing the physical footprint of a transmission line.
The facility expansion includes a 51,000-square-foot addition to the existing building to create more manufacturing space, and a retention pond to handle increased stormwater run-off. For its expansion, Prysmian received a funding proposal from the DCED for a $3 million PIDA loan and a $135,000 Pennsylvania First grant. The company was also encouraged to apply for tax credits through the Commonwealth’s Manufacturing Tax Credit Program.
“Governor Shapiro is committed to making Pennsylvania a global leader in energy and technology jobs, and Prysmian’s expansion is a great example of what the Commonwealth has to offer to companies in these industries,” said Acting DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “We are aggressively competing with other states to attract more innovative businesses to the Commonwealth – including companies like Prysmian, that bring good-paying jobs to the area and boost the local economy.”
The City of Williamsport also contributed $125,000 to the project.
“We are pleased to have this investment being made by Prysmian Group at their Williamsport plant,” said Jason Fink, President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. “They are a great employer and corporate citizen in the community. This expansion will add another 27 family sustaining jobs here with wages for 20 of the positions paying over $50,000 and the remaining 7 at more than $70,000. The support by the state through the Governor’s Action Team and City of Williamsport were both key to helping us land this expansion in the city.”
