Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that the Commonwealth has secured a $20.3 million investment from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to expand the company’s operations in Berks County.
The move is expected to create 42 new jobs over the next three years while retaining 441 existing full-time positions in Pennsylvania.
The Shapiro Administration is backing the project with a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
The expansion will transform Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials’ existing facility at 2120 Fairmount Avenue in Reading through site renovations, construction of an adjacent facility, and the installation of new machinery and equipment.
The investment will support the company’s manufacturing of specialty engineering thermoplastics and advanced composite materials.
"Mitsubishi’s decision to double-down on Pennsylvania and expand their operations here is going to create more opportunity in Berks County – and it’s another reminder that we’re making real progress on growth and economic development,” said Governor Shapiro.
“My Aladministration is committed to investing in our talented, skilled workforce, cutting red tape, eliminating permit backlogs, and creating shovel-ready sites for companies that want to move or expand in Pennsylvania. We are going to continue to make these types of strategic investments in economic growth to support Pennsylvania businesses and workers and keep our Commonwealth moving forward.”
Coordinated by the Governor’s BusinessPA team, the project received a funding proposal from DCED for the Pennsylvania First grant to support Mitsubishi Chemical’s continued growth in the Commonwealth.
DCED Secretary Rick Siger visited the Reading facility to mark the expansion and highlight the company’s investment in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing future.
“Pennsylvania is securing major manufacturing investments because the Shapiro Administration makes it easier for companies to succeed here,” said Secretary Siger. “Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Material’s expansion in the City of Reading is creating new job opportunities, strengthening Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector, and reinforcing the Commonwealth’s reputation as a great place to do business.”
'This investment reflects Mitsubishi Chemical’s long-term commitment to Pennsylvania and expanding advanced manufacturing in the region,” said Daniel Barish, President of Mitsubishi Chemicals Advanced Materials Americas.
“By establishing a Center of Excellence for the extrusion of general and advanced engineering plastics, we are strengthening our innovation capabilities while creating high-quality jobs and new opportunities for local communities. We appreciate the partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to contributing to sustained economic growth across the region.”
