Carlos Cardoso, Chairman, President & CEO, Kennametal Inc., right, greets Governor Tom Corbett at the Team PA-led Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council meeting.

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker believes Pennsylvania is poised to regain its prominence as a world leader in manufacturing, but only if the proper steps are taken to ensure that happens.

“There are a series of phenomena, occurring simultaneously, that could lead to the reindustrialization of Pennsylvania,” Walker said in his comments to the members of the Governor’s Manufacturing Advisory Council at their first meeting. “But only if we do it right and think strategically.”

To help get it right, Gov. Corbett has empowered Team PA to facilitate and support an initiative to utilize the expertise of manufacturing-based experts to “develop a plan that will improve the overall climate for manufacturing in Pennsylvania and lead to more opportunities in that sector,” said Walker, public sector co-chair.

Between now and June, the council, which consists of 23 members representing a cross-section of manufacturing interests, will convene to identify and prioritize top issues that can help influence, sustain and advance that sector in the commonwealth.

Matt Zieger, President & CEO, Team PA, ensured council members that Team PA wants to deliver recommendations to the governor and state legislators that have a lasting impact on manufacturing for many years to come.

“We are all about implementation and to make sure you are successful in carrying your messages directly to the governor over the course of the next few months,” Zieger said.

Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council members discuss issues impacting their industry at breakout sessions. They will draft recommendations to present to the governor and Legislature.

The council discussed manufacturing concerns at the state and national levels and listed broad issues at facilitated breakout sessions to help set agendas for subsequent sessions. At future meetings, the council will drill deeper into individual issues to better understand and draft recommendations to present to the governor and legislators.

Council member Carlos Cardoso, Chairman, President & CEO, Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, said he agreed to co-chair the group as part of his commitment to promote manufacturing in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

“I am a believer in manufacturing, I have made my career in manufacturing and manufacturing has been very, very good to me,” Cardoso said to council members. “As Secretary Walker said, let’s make this mission possible. I am honored to work with you to create and develop solutions that will help advance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector across the commonwealth.”

Cardoso noted manufacturing delivers more than $75 billion in economic value each year and that manufacturing jobs are good paying too, averaging more than $66,000 annually compared to the rest of the workforce at nearly $54,800.

“I truly believe the shrinkage of the middle class is directly correlated to shrinkage in manufacturing jobs,” Cordoso said during his opening remarks. “If that theory is right, if we create manufacturing jobs around this country and in this state, then we will increase and widen the middle class – which will be good for everyone.”

Gov. Corbett addressed the council, thanking them for their service and reiterating the importance of manufacturing to Pennsylvania’s economy and the vital assistance the group will provide his administration.

“There is a reason we asked you to participate in this council: we need your advice,” Corbett said. “Between now and June, give us your ideas. We need to look to the future and we need your guidance to address these issues. You need to tell us and the Legislature what you need.”

The governor highlighted a number of important issues including the workforce/education connection, tax credits for research and development, and creating an even greater business-friendly climate in the commonwealth, among others.

He noted changes won’t come overnight, but added the council’s work is a great first step to put Pennsylvania into a position that will benefit all Americans.

“There is no reason why Pennsylvania, as the Keystone State, can not only be the keystone to an economic recovery for Pennsylvania, but an economic recovery for this entire nation,” Corbett said, “and you are going to help us do that.”

Editor’s Note: Over the next few months, Team PA will run a series of articles examining the issues impacting various sectors of the manufacturing industry.

Read additional coverage of the Governor’s Manufacturing Advisory Council here.