Manufacturing is the foundation of Pennsylvania's economy.
Pennsylvania has a rich history as one of the top manufacturing states in the country. PA routinely receives high rankings in national polls for the benefits in operations, logistics and infrastructure that manufacturers find when they choose to locate their businesses in the Commonwealth.
Northeastern Pennsylvania amplifies those benefits through its strategic location to major transportation routes, lower operating costs and its skilled and experienced workforce which creates a unique advantage for the manufacturing industry.
Businesses including Gatorade, Lockheed Martin and The Hershey Company just to name a few, have found a place as members of Northeastern Pennsylvania's communities.
"Manufacturing continues to be one of the strongest aspects of our economy. Our low cost utilities, affordable and reliable labor and close proximity to major markets make Northeastern Pennsylvania a top choice for quality manufacturers." - John L. Augustine III, President of Northeastern Pennsylvania's regional economic development agency Penn's Northeast.
Pennsylvania recently ranked in the top 10 in a national poll across five crucial industry categories including manufacturing, infrastructure and exports. Business Facilities' Annual Rankings Report placed PA 6th in the “Top Manufacturing States” category, which measures employment totals for manufacturing jobs.
Pennsylvania ranked 5th in the “Infrastructure Upgrades” category and 10th in the “Exports” category. Pennsylvania's dedication to making a number of infrastructure upgrades to ensure efficiency and safety while transporting goods and operating businesses - helped it rank fifth in the “Infrastructure Upgrades” category.
With an $85 billion impact that accounts for 12 percent of the state's GDP, manufacturing is Pennsylvania's second-largest industry in the private sector, and ranks as the 8th largest in the country.
Manufacturing is part of Pennsylvania's legacy and plays a significant role in the diverse, global economy. New technological advances in nanotechnology, robotics, and additive manufacturing are revolutionizing manufacturing processes, and driving demand for advanced STEM skill sets in our workforce. Manufacturing continues to bolster both Pennsylvania and the U.S. economy, and creates new opportunities in a variety of fields using the latest technologies.
Northeastern Pennsylvania has capitalized on these advanced technologies, combined with NEPA's strategic location of the northeast's Interstate hub, to become one of the best locations for companies to do business efficiently and cost-effectively.
