Pennsylvania Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and several other attendees Sept. 3 celebrated implementation of the enacted Max Manufacturing Initiative Act, which promotes innovation and economic growth by facilitating collaboration between universities and engineering firms.
“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,” said Robinson during a press event held Tuesday.
The Robinson-led law, enacted in June, establishes public-private partnerships through a grant and loan program, supporting shared research facilities, cutting-edge equipment and incentives to attract high-tech industries to Pennsylvania. It aims to create jobs, boost local businesses, and drive advancements in high-value manufacturing.
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.
“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,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said during the Sept. 3 event. “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.”
Robinson and Cassotis were also joined by Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and other industry leaders to celebrate implementation of the new law.
“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, he added, and the state “absolutely must” remain competitive in the manufacturing sector. Nearly 10 percent of all jobs in Pennsylvania are in the manufacturing sector.
“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,” Robinson said.
“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,” said Garrity. “I will be a strong advocate.”
The Max Manufacturing Initiative features two funds that provide grants and loans for specialized equipment, infrastructure, and facilities dedicated to advanced manufacturing.
“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.”
Other remarks were also given by: State Reps. Valerie Gaydos (R-44) and Anita Kulik (D-45); Alex Halper, senior vice president of government affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry; David Taylor, president and CEO of the PA Manufacturers’ Association; Chris Heck, president of the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce; Sandra DeVincent-Wolf, executive director of the Manufacturing Futures Institute and an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and John Barnes, The Barnes Global Advisors president and Neighborhood 91 strategic advisor.