Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Wednesday that energy and telecommunications company Prysmian Group North America will expand its existing Williamsport manufacturing facility, creating dozens of new jobs in the community.
Prysmian plans to double its capacity to manufacture advanced transmission conductors, technology that according to the Department of Energy, helps address transmission challenges, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of electricity delivery, and increases the reliability and resilience of the system. The company claims that their move will increase the amount of electrical power that can be moved by each transmission line, without increasing the line’s physical footprint.
A 51,000-square-foot addition will also be added to the existing building, as well as a retention pond. These additions will create more manufacturing space and help handle increased stormwater run-off.
The company received a $3 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan from the Department of Community and Economic Development for this expansion. It also received a $135,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and was encouraged to apply for tax credits through the Commonwealth’s Manufacturing Tax Credit Program. The City of Williamsport also contributed $125,000 to this expansion project.
According to the governor’s office, the expansion will create at least 27 new jobs in Lycoming County and retain a total of 407 jobs statewide. The project was put together by the Governor’s Action Team.
Since taking over in January, Gov. Josh Shapiro has put an emphasis on Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. Last month, he announced $58 million for 157 new projects across the Keystone State.
“We are planting a flag here in Pennsylvania – our Commonwealth is open for business and we are going to be a leader in innovation, economic development, and job creation,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “By working with manufacturers like Prysmian, we are turning Pennsylvania into an economic powerhouse and creating good-paying jobs in the process. ”
Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, touted the economic impact of Prysmian’s expansion in a statement.
“This expansion will add another 27 family sustaining jobs here with wages for 20 of the positions paying over $50,000 and the remaining 7 at more than $70,000,” Fink said in a statement. “The support by the state through the Governor’s Action Team and City of Williamsport were both key to helping us land this expansion in the city.”
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