Schuylkill County, PA -
Manufacturing, agriculture and distribution/logistics support the region’s prosperity and provide continued opportunities for business growth.
For years, business growth in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania’s three key industries – manufacturing, agriculture and distribution/ logistics – has fueled the region’s prosperity. Thanks to the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., the region has provided strong growth potential for companies across key sectors. Through collaboration and partnership, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce builds on this momentum, serving as the county’s leading business connector and unified voice of the local business community.
In addition, the region’s location between major markets offers businesses additional opportunities and the ability to gain a stronger foothold in the region’s future.
Mark Minnig, economic development manager for Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., notes that the county’s robust infrastructure, available workforce, and business-friendly environment provide companies with the foundation they need to grow.
“Our industrial parks are fully equipped with modern utilities and amenities, while local and regional partnerships provide incentives, workforce development programs, and technical assistance tailored to each industry’s needs,” Minnig says. “The biggest draws include our strategic location, strong community support, and a proactive approach to economic development.”
Economic Drivers: Logistics, Manufacturing & Agriculture
Dozens of companies within the three key industries call Schuylkill County home and continue to thrive in the region.
In the area of logistics, Schuylkill Highridge Business Park, which includes distribution centers for Walmart, Lowe’s and grocery chain Wegmans, boasts current operations that directly generate output worth $649.2 million annually. In total, Highridge Business Park’s ongoing operations support 7,187 jobs in Schuylkill County and generate $416.2 million in labor income.
Within Schuylkill county’s manufacturing sector, some key players include EMD Electronics, Hydro Extrusions, Keystone Potato Products and Clearly Clean Products.
EMD Electronics operates a significant manufacturing site in Hometown that specializes in high-purity specialty gases and chemicals for semiconductor production. The 375-acre facility has grown to employ over 300 people. EMD Electronics announced a $300 million expansion project at its site in 2023, aiming to create the world’s largest integrated specialty gases facility. This investment is expected to generate nearly 200 jobs in Schuylkill County.
“Schuylkill County presents a compelling environment for manufacturing operations, offering a strategic location, robust infrastructure and a highly supportive business climate,” says Kelly Hansbury, workforce planning project manager at EMD Electronics. “The region is home to a skilled and dependable workforce recognized for its strong work ethic and high productivity. Companies also benefit from local support, including guidance with site selection, access to financial incentives and workforce development initiatives – all of which contribute to long-term business growth and operational success.”
Hydro Extrusions’ facility in Cressona stands as the largest aluminum extrusion facility in the Western Hemisphere, employing over 1,100 workers. In recent years, Hydro Extrusions invested approximately $100 million to modernize the facility, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 3,000-ton indirect extrusion press and the expansion of its recycling capacity to 270,000 tons per year – the highest within the Norway-based company’s global network.
“The Cressona plant’s advancements underscore Pennsylvania’s role in fostering advanced manufacturing and contribute significantly to the state’s $116 billion manufacturing sector,” Minnig says.
The agriculture industry in Schuylkill County also plays a vital role in the region’s economy and cultural heritage, blending traditional practices with modern innovation. The county supports a diverse range of agricultural operations, including dairy farming, livestock production, poultry and crop cultivation.
Schuylkill County helps agricultural businesses and farms in several ways.
Kelse Brown is an agriculture conservation technician at the Schuylkill Conservation District, which works with producers to implement conservation practices. She notes that the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Education & Agribusiness Committee addresses issues, identifies employer needs, and develops and implements programming that promotes initiatives that enhance quality of education and training available to employers and workers.
Additionally, Schuylkill County is home to the Penn State Extension.
“Each of the organizations offers unique programs to aid farmers and agricultural producers around the county,” Brown says. “These programs are crucial to help offset rising costs of building structures and materials for farmers to engage in conservation practices.”
