A $20.3 million expansion by Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials in Reading will create 42 new jobs and retain 441 existing full-time positions, according to an announcement Wednesday from Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The expansion will take place at the company’s facility at 2120 Fairmount Ave. in Reading. The Commonwealth is supporting the project with a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials plans to renovate its existing facility, construct an adjacent building, and install new machinery and equipment to expand the manufacturing of specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites.
The company, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Chemical Group, manufactures high-performance thermoplastics and composite materials used across a variety of industries.
Shapiro said the company’s decision to expand in Pennsylvania reflects the state’s efforts to attract business investment and grow manufacturing.
“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,” Shapiro said. “My Administration 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.”
Rick Siger, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, visited the Reading facility Wednesday to mark the announcement.
“Pennsylvania is securing major manufacturing investments because the Shapiro Administration makes it easier for companies to succeed here,” Siger said. “Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials’ 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.”
Daniel Barish, president of Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc., Americas, said the project will establish a Center of Excellence for the extrusion of general and advanced engineering plastics while expanding the company’s manufacturing capabilities in Pennsylvania.
“This investment reflects Mitsubishi Chemical’s long-term commitment to Pennsylvania and expanding advanced manufacturing in the region,” Barish said. “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.”
Reading Mayor Eddie Morán said the investment strengthens the city’s economy and reinforces Reading as a place where manufacturers can continue to grow.
“Mitsubishi Chemical’s continued investment in Reading sends a strong statement about confidence in our city, our workforce, and our future,” Morán said. “The creation of 42 new jobs and retention of hundreds more strengthens our local economy and reinforces Reading as a place where industries can continue to grow and succeed.”
Aaron Gantz, vice president of economic development and strategy for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, said the expansion highlights the region’s manufacturing strength and workforce.
State Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock also praised the expansion, calling it a vote of confidence in Reading, Berks County, and Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector.
According to the governor’s office, the Shapiro administration has secured more than $41 billion in private-sector investment statewide since taking office, supporting the creation of more than 24,000 jobs.
