Gov. Josh Shapiro joined leadership from EMD Electronics to announce a $300 million investment in semiconductor specialty gases manufacturing that will create nearly 200 jobs in Schuylkill County, including 68 permanent, union jobs, the governor’s office announced.
As part of its investment, EMD Electronics — a global leader in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing — will build a 96,500-square-foot facility in Hometown, creating the largest integrated specialty gases facility in the world, according to Shapiro’s aides.
The new facilities will allow EMD to meet surging demand in the electronics and semiconductor industries by doubling the production capacity of tungsten hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride, critical components in semiconductor manufacturing, officials said.
“We are planting a flag and sending a clear message to the world that Pennsylvania is open for business,” Shapiro said April 12 during an appearance at the site. “We have enormous potential here in Pennsylvania to be an economic leader and drive innovation on a global scale. Investments in projects like this one further prove this point.
“EMD Electronics is expanding and bringing more jobs to Schuylkill County. Let’s work together to make more projects like this possible. The entire Shapiro administration stands ready to promote that growth and ensure we make Pennsylvania a leader in economic development and opportunity.”
EMD Electronics, the North American electronics business of Merck KGaA in Darmstadt, Germany, manufactures products and equipment for the semiconductor and electronics display industries. The company is one of the 10 largest manufacturing employers in the county.
“We have been the employer of choice in Hometown for almost 50 years,” EMD Electronics President Jeff White said. “Our commitment to level up our business in Schuylkill County bodes well for the community and its global impact on the semiconductor industry. We appreciate the efforts on the part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to recognize the value of our growth plans and work with us to make this expansion possible.”
EMD Electronics received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a $1,062,500 Pennsylvania First grant and a $122,000 workforce development grant to train workers. The company has committed to creating 68 jobs and retaining 289 existing, full-time jobs at its Hometown location within the next five years. About 120 jobs will be created to help with the construction of the facility.
“Gov. Shapiro recognizes the impact the manufacturing industry has on Pennsylvania’s economy, and his budget includes funding for incentive tools to help attract and retain more businesses,” Acting DCED Secretary Rick Siger said.
The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, a group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
Source: Berkshire mont
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