Corbett Administration Announces Manufacturing Advisory Council Report in Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker today joined manufacturing leaders to announce the findings and recommendations of the Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council (GMAC) during a visit to the United States Steel Corporation's Mon Valley Works Training Hub in Duquesne.    

Earlier today, Governor Tom Corbett announced the council's findings and recommendations during a visit to Westport Axle in the Lehigh Valley.

"Getting Pennsylvanians back to work is one of the top priorities of Governor Corbett," said Walker. "This report provides the administration with a solid roadmap for industry and government to work together to spark the new industrial revolution."

Recognizing manufacturing's value to Pennsylvania's economy, Corbett late last year commissioned a private advisory council to identify and prioritize top issues that can help influence, sustain and advance that sector in the commonwealth.

The 24-member Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council, led by the Team PA Foundation, today sent its report to Corbett and the General Assembly outlining a list of 15 key recommendations it believes will help Pennsylvania remain competitive in today's global economy.

The report focuses on the building blocks of a strong manufacturing sector; new sets of tools to drive innovation and product development; better access to domestic and international markets; strategic public/private collaboration; improved access to capital; and a highly skilled and educated workforce. The council also found that many companies are having a problem finding workers with the education and skills needed to fill the growing number of advanced manufacturing positions available.  

"The Corbett administration continues to work diligently to bridge the gap between job-seekers and employers," Walker said. "A skilled and talented workforce positions Pennsylvania to be even more competitive in a global economy."

Walker announced the findings during a visit to the U. S. Steel Corporation's Mon Valley Works Training Hub in Duquesne.  United States Steel developed the training center in 2008 to provide the company's Pittsburgh-area employees with the specialized training needed to work in today's high tech steel mills. Workforce development and preparing workers for advanced manufacturing jobs is a key component of the GMAC report.

Walker was joined by Christopher J. Masciantonio, U. S. Steel's General Manager of State Government Affairs.

"United States Steel is pleased to host Secretary Walker for the announcement of the Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council Report," said Masciantonio.  "The report's emphasis on the development of a state-wide energy plan, improved tax structure, common sense approach to government regulation, and workforce development are critical areas that need to be to addressed in developing a competitive manufacturing climate in Pennsylvania."

U. S. Steel was one of 24 council members ranging from a cross-section of manufacturing interests including heavy machinery, minerals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, steel and textiles. The council also includes three members of manufacturing trade associations and one from the Industrial Resource Center.

"I greatly appreciate U. S. Steel's commitment to the council and look forward to working with Chris Masciantonio, members of the council and the General Assembly to implement the recommendations of this report," Walker said.

GMAC, co-chaired by Walker and Carlos Cardoso, Chairman, President and CEO of Kennametal Inc., gathered information about challenges facing the industry from a variety of experts and manufacturers. The council conducted meetings over six months starting in January 2012.

The Corbett administration held similar announcement events throughout the state with Department of Education Secretary Ron Tomalis and Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway.

The full report is available at www.teampa.com/manufacturingcouncil.

Editor's Note: The GMAC members are:
C. Alan Walker, (co-chair), Secretary, Department of Community and Economic Development, Harrisburg
Carlos Cardoso, (co-chair), Chairman, President and CEO, Kennametal Inc., Latrobe
Samuel "Pat" Black, President & CEO, Erie Management Group, Erie
David Barensfeld, President & CEO, Ellwood Group Inc., Ellwood City
Greg Booth, CEO, Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford
Heather Chandler, President, Sealstrip Corporation, Gilbertsville
Frank Epifano, CFO, sanofi pasteur, Swiftwater
Janis Herschkowitz, President, PRL Industries, Cornwall
Jeff Kelly, CEO, Hamill Manufacturing Company, Trafford
Todd Kennedy, President & CEO, McClarin Plastics, Hanover
Leroy "Tighe" King, Chairman & CEO, Perform Group LLC, York
Daniel Langdon, President, East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Lyon Station
Michael McLanahan, Chairman & CEO, McLanahan Corporation, Hollidaysburg
Louay Mishu, Plant Manager – Family Care, Proctor & Gamble, Mehoopany
Scott Meuser, Chairman & CEO, Pride Mobility Products Corp., Exeter
Michael Pearson, President, Union Packaging, Yeadon
Jim Rutkowski Jr., Vice President, Industrial Sales & Manufacturing Inc., Erie
David Simpson, President, Diamond Manufacturing, Wyoming
Mike Williams, Senior Vice President, United States Steel, Pittsburgh
Helen Yost, President, The Rowland Company, Philadelphia
Ralph Pontillo, President, Manufacturer and Business Association, Erie
David Taylor, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Manufacturer's Association, Harrisburg
Darlene Robbins, President, N.E. PA Manufacturer's and Employers Association, Pottsville
Jack E. Pfunder, President and CEO, Manufacturer's Resource Center, Bethlehem

Media Contact:
Steven Kratz, DCED, 717-783-1132
James Mentzer, Team Pennsylvania Foundation, 717-233-1375

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development