DCED Newsletter | June 2025

From major business investments to innovative partnerships and community-focused programs, June has been a strong month for Pennsylvania’s economic momentum. We’re continuing to deliver results that make our Commonwealth more competitive—closing deals, supporting job creation, and laying the groundwork for a stronger future.

Pennsylvania is open for business—and making history. Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced Amazon’s plans to invest $20 billion in data center campuses across the Commonwealth. It’s the largest private sector investment in Pennsylvania’s history and a major win for our economy. DCED’s BusinessPA team played a key role in the negotiations, supported by the Administration’s efforts to accelerate permit approvals and cut red tape.

We’re also seeing strong momentum in manufacturing. Volvo Construction Equipment will invest $40 million to expand its Franklin County facility and plans to produce more than half of its machinery in North America in Pennsylvania. Other manufacturers making moves include Berner International and Premier Automation, with expansion projects of $15.4 million and $13.6 million respectively. Pittston Co-Packers Corp is opening its first plant in the United States following a $30 million investment to acquire and redevelop Joriki Beverages’ shuttered manufacturing facility. Also this month, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) approved $1.6 million in low-interest loans to fuel innovation, support expansion, and create new jobs across the state.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025–26 budget includes a $50 million investment to strengthen our innovation ecosystem. At the BIO 2025 International Convention in Boston, Governor Shapiro joined industry leaders to promote Pennsylvania’s growing life sciences sector and reinforce why the state  is a top destination for cutting-edge research and development. His message is resonating, with the proposed investments for a new PA Innovation program.

Pennsylvania’s focus on innovation is paying off. Philadelphia jumped 12 spots to break into the world’s top 15 startup hubs, according to Startup Genome, which praised our life sciences strength and proposed innovation funding. In Pittsburgh, local tech firms Gecko Robotics (now valued at $1.25 billion, reaching unicorn status) and Abridge AI earned spots on CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list, proving that Pennsylvania’s tech and innovation scene is gaining global recognition.

Housing and community development are critical to Pennsylvania’s strategic plan for a more competitive future. Nearly $27 million in HOME-ARP funding is supporting services in 38 counties to prevent and address homelessness. In Corry, Lt. Governor Austin Davis announced a $100,000 Main Street Matters grant to boost downtown revitalization.

The Shapiro Administration is also helping schools save money and go green. The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $22.5 million in Solar for Schools funding, providing up to $500,000 to each of 73 schools for solar energy installations that reduce utility costs and support sustainability goals.

Our workforce is one of Pennsylvania’s greatest assets—and we’re investing in its future. In June, the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) program awarded a grant to Quaker Valley School District to help high school students gain hands-on experience and build pathways into careers in manufacturing.

In Lancaster County, a recently awarded Manufacturing PA Innovation grant is supporting PrecisionForm and Precision Cobotics LLC with its partnership with Millersville University and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Together, they’ll develop an advanced robotics inspection system during the 2025–26 academic year, giving students real-world experience while strengthening local industry.        

Want to see the good news from your community featured on our social media channels or in our next newsletter? Let us know what’s happening in your area! Whether a new investment, business expansion, or community development, we’re here to help you celebrate. Send your updates (and a link to a news story, blog, or press release) to the DCED Communications Office.