(The Center Square) — Announcing a manufacturing expansion in Beaver County, Gov. Josh Shapiro argued for his model of economic growth and made a call for compromise to pass the state budget.
The governor came to Aliquippa to celebrate a $40 million investment by Versatex, a building materials supplier, to build a 97,000-square-foot facility — doubling its manufacturing capacity and creating 80 new jobs.
“Thanks for betting on Aliquippa and Beaver County,” Shapiro said. “I want more companies, especially in this area, to know that we’re open for business and to know that the commonwealth is your partner, here to help with your expansion … we need to develop more sites that are shovel ready.”
On top of the $40 million, Versatex will receive about $3.3 million in state loans and grants.
The governor has argued for investing in a handful of key economic sectors to grow the commonwealth and getting more sites prepared for major investments.
“Other states already have pads ready to go,” he said. “We’re losing out because our neighbors have been investing in sites like that for years … It’s time we catch up in Pennsylvania.”
Doing more of it, the governor argue, would spark prosperity statewide.
“I see real power in the dirt that exists in communities like Aliquippa. Dirt that turns into pads, pads that turn into economic engines, economic engines that manufacture great products we need more of in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said. “This is how we create jobs and this is how we bring more manufacturing back to Pennsylvania.”
Part of the struggle is marketing to out-of-state businesses to give the commonwealth a chance. State rankings routinely show that Pennsylvania is mediocre at best for business taxes and permitting headaches mean delays for businesses looking to expand.
“Investing in a company like Versatex, which is creating nearly 100 jobs, injecting $40 million into this area’s economy, is really about us planting a flag, showing that we are open for business,” said Rick Siger, secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development. “We’re doubling down, especially on our competitiveness … We want to be the best place to do business — the destination of choice for companies like this one all across the world.”
As the budget deadline approaches and elected officials remain divided on major issues like education policy, the governor also made a plea for a deal.
“I think compromise is the key to progress,” Shapiro said. “Here’s one thing I can guarantee: I’m not gonna get everything I want, the House isn’t gonna get everything they want, the Senate’s not gonna get everything they want, but we are gonna find ways to compromise, to come together.”
He again argued for his goals in investing in education, public safety, and economic development, and said it’s time to invest the commonwealth’s $14 billion surplus.
