Corbett Administration Discusses Manufacturing Initiatives at Ellwood Crankshaft in Pennsylvania

MERCER, Pa., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a stop today during "DCED on the Road," Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker joined manufacturing leaders to discuss the findings and recommendations of the Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council (GMAC) at Ellwood Crankshaft in Hermitage.     

"Governor Corbett's mission is straightforward – to make sure that every Pennsylvanian that wants a job, has the opportunity to have a job," said Walker. "This report provides the administration with a solid roadmap for industry and government to work together to spark new job growth for generations to come."

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.

Led by the Team PA Foundation, the 24-member Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council sent a 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 full report is available at www.teampa.com/manufacturingcouncil.

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.  

"For too long Pennsylvanians receive their college degree and end up having to leave the state in search of employment," Walker said.  The Corbett administration continues to work diligently to bridge the gap between job-seekers and employers to make sure there are jobs for our graduates right here at home."

Walker discussed the findings during a visit to Ellwood Crankshaft, the world's leading manufacturer of large, one-of-a-kind, multiple-throw crankshafts.  Elwood Crankshaft is a subsidiary of The Ellwood Group.

The Ellwood Group is 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.

"The governor and I appreciate the Ellwood Group's commitment to the council," Walker said. "The administration has already taken the first steps to address some of the highlighted issues and we look forward to working with the members of the council and the General Assembly to grow manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania," Walker said.

Walker's stop in Hermitage was part of DCED on the Road, a series of events across Northwestern Pennsylvania, to discuss Governor Corbett's vision for community enhancement and private sector job growth. 

DCED staff will be spending three days, Sept. 17 – 19, traveling throughout Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Clarion, Forest and Warren counties, meeting with community, economic development and tourism partners, celebrating the region's successes and answering questions.

The DCED on the Road initiative is being funded and supported by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, a private non-profit partnership with the commonwealth.

For more information on DCED on the Road, visit www.newPA.com/roadshow.

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

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development