Corbett Administration Awards $1.15 Million Grant to Protect Manufacturing Jobs in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Julia Hearthway announced today that the Steel Valley Authority (SVA) was awarded a $1.15 million grant to provide layoff aversion services in the commonwealth. The grant supports Governor Tom Corbett's commitment to building a stronger Pennsylvania by helping companies stay in business.     

"Proactively working to avoid layoffs reduces the exponentially higher costs of unemployment and job creation programs associated with 'lost' jobs," Hearthway said. "This grant will allow the Steel Valley Authority and its partners to retain jobs, and not only save, but grow businesses."

The grant will support L&I workforce development efforts by providing layoff aversion services to stabilize, restructure, turn-around or attract buyers for at-risk businesses. 

Services are provided through the SVA's renowned Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) program, which has been working since 1993 to save Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs by providing services to companies at risk of contraction or closure. SEWN services include financial restructuring, operational restructuring and cost management, ownership transition planning, high-performance workplace strategies and new market strategies. SVA has worked with nearly 900 manufacturers and helped save over 19,000 jobs since its creation.

The initial award, using federal Workforce Investment Act funds, is for a one-year period and provides an option to extend for a second and third year.

Pennsylvania's workforce development system allows businesses and workers to compete in the worldwide, knowledge-based economy. The workforce system enhances employer competitiveness and innovation, while preparing Pennsylvanians for new careers in higher-wage jobs, effectively improving the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott; L&I, 717-787-7530

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry