The Biden administration is proposing a $3 million investment to help a Westmoreland County manufacturing facility expand its production and workforce.
In a release from the Commerce Department, the investment under the CHIPS and Science Act will help local company “Powerex.
The investment will help “support the modernization and expansion of the company’s back-end production facility in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, and is expected to create over 55 manufacturing jobs and up to 20 construction jobs.
Powerex makes semiconductor modules for “important defense applications including the F-35, as well as commercial and industrial applications.”
“Because of the Biden-Harris Administration’s bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, we are making targeted proposed investments across the semiconductor supply chain that are driving the revitalization of this industry in America,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“These proposed actions are creating quality jobs across the country while advancing U.S. technological leadership.”
“We’re grateful for the Department of Commerce’s proposed support through the CHIPS and Science Act, which would enable small companies like ours to invest in modern equipment and expand production. With this proposed funding, we’ll enhance our production capabilities and create new jobs, providing growth and advancement opportunities for our employees,” said Powerex CEO Joseph Wolf. “This proposed investment allows us to meet rising demand with U.S.-made products while building a stronger future for our team and community. Powerex plays an important role in supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs, with over half of our power module production dedicated to military applications. This proposed funding would help Powerex mitigate supply chain risks and address the constraints brought on by the rising demand for our power modules.”
The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law by President Biden in 2022.