Robinson’s Landmark Manufacturing Initiative Celebrated by Treasurer Garrity, Airport CEO Cassotis

MOON TOWNSHIP - Nearly 10% of all jobs in Pennsylvania are in the manufacturing sector, and this number could soon rise thanks to groundbreaking legislation spearheaded by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37).

The Max Manufacturing Initiative is designed to foster public-private partnerships between state-related universities and private engineering companies. The initiative features two funds that provide grants and loans for specialized equipment, infrastructure and facilities dedicated to advanced manufacturing. On Tuesday, Robinson was joined by Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and other industry leaders to celebrate the implementation.

"Pennsylvania boasts one of the most productive workforces in the world, and with the Max Manufacturing program, we're positioned to attract even more innovative experts to our state and especially to our region," said Robinson. "This new law not only bolsters cooperation between state universities and engineering firms, but it also fosters business partnerships, and drives innovation and production of high-value, high-tech products."

The press event took place at HAMR Industries, located at Neighborhood 91 - a 195-acre advanced manufacturing innovation campus adjacent to Pittsburgh International Airport. Neighborhood 91, allows tenants to share resources and leverage each other's strengths, offering easy access to air, highway and water transportation for product distribution.

"I worked in the manufacturing industry for three decades, so I know how important it is to Pennsylvania's economy," said Garrity. "This law represents great bipartisan work, and I thank Sen. Robinson for leading the way. Technology is evolving at lightning speed, and we absolutely must keep Pennsylvania competitive in the manufacturing sector. I'm hopeful that Gov. Josh Shapiro will include funding for the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act in his next budget address, and that the General Assembly will include it in the final budget. I will be a strong advocate."

"Neighborhood 91 is a key economic development project for this region, and I thank Sen. Robinson for his diligence in getting this support legislation passed," said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis. "This legislation is a key tool as we continue to build out the Neighborhood 91 campus at PIT and for advanced manufacturing across the state."

"Pittsburgh, once known as the Steel City, has undergone a dramatic transformation in its manufacturing landscape," Robinson said. "While the steel industry remains a vital part of our heritage, the city has successfully diversified into advanced manufacturing, supported by a highly skilled workforce and strong educational institutions that drive our ongoing renaissance."

View Robinson's remarks on the Max Manufacturing Initiative here.

CONTACT:
Kevin Battle