U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) hosted U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, as well as business, government, and student representatives from Chester County, for a tour and roundtable at Vishay Intertechnology in Malvern on Thursday.
Vishay, a local semiconductor manufacturer, and Houlahan invited Raimondo to visit the facility in response to global semiconductor shortages. During the meeting, discussions centered around workforce challenges, supply chain issues, and STEM education in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Congresswoman’s office said.
Raimondo and Houlahan stressed the importance of passing the Bipartisan Innovation Act to further boost America’s manufacturing sector and its global competitiveness. The legislation is in the final stages of negotiation between the House and Senate before heading to the President’s desk for signature, Houlahan’s office said.
“Together, we explored Vishay Intertechnology, a world-class semiconductor manufacturer with an inspiring history, and discussed workforce challenges that remain,” Houlahan said. “As part of the team negotiating the final Bipartisan Innovation Act, I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to deliver it to the President as quickly as possible so, in turn, we can address many of the challenges we discussed here in Malvern, unjam our supply chain, and deliver on our promise to the American people to support jobs here at home.”
The roundtable discussion at the facility focused on the success of businesses like Vishay and how public and education officials can support a pipeline of students whose skills meet the needs of manufacturing companies.
The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry strongly encourages Congress to pass the broadly supported Bipartisan Innovation Act to fund the CHIPS and FABS Acts to accelerate domestic production of semiconductors,” Laura Manion, president and CEO of Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry. “Semiconductors are essential to nearly every sector of the economy, and incentivizing increased domestic manufacturing capacity is critical to strengthening the workforce, national security, and our long-term global competitiveness.”
Officials said that as the county grows, it is critical to have all facets of business and government working together.
“Chester County’s economic strength comes from its diversity, its determination to lead the way in sectors such as manufacturing, and its desire to invest in the business leaders of the future through education partnerships,” said Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell, Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. “We were honored to be part of the discussions with Secretary Raimondo and Representative Houlahan that showcased Vishay Intertechnology – one of the world’s largest manufacturers of semiconductors and passive electronic components, whose headquarters are based right here in our county.”