Legislation would improve collaboration in manufacturing

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The Senate recently approved legislation aimed at improving Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry opportunities through collaboration and innovation.

Senate Bill 497, Max Manufacturing Initiative Act, would provide grant and loan to eligible applicants engaged in advanced manufacturing.

Advanced manufacturing uses innovative technologies to create and enhance products. It is used in most industries.

Under the bill, state universities would be permitted to partner with engineering entities to promote business alliances, enhance research capabilities, produce high-value products and create jobs.

“Protecting and promoting jobs in Pennsylvania is one of the top priorities for the Senate Republicans,” state Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny County), who sponsored the bill, said. “The partnerships formed from this legislation will incentivize leading scientists and engineers to do business here, and establish our commonwealth as an international leader in the development, testing and implementation of cutting-edge technologies.”

The bill moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“The Max Manufacturing Initiative Act has the potential to establish our Commonwealth and its university and business partnerships as international leaders in the development, testing and implementation of cutting-edge advances in science and technology,” Robinson said in May when the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee advanced the bill.

In the United States, the manufacturing industry produces more than $4 trillion annually.