Kate Skopp is the Director of Global Partnerships for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development.
Great companies are built in Pennsylvania — including international ones. Not only is Pennsylvania home to more than 6,450 foreign-owned businesses employing more than 275,000 people, we are also one of the nation’s fastest-growing exporters. Pennsylvania has produced creative and visionary ideas and products for years, and Hannover Messe gives us the opportunity to highlight Pennsylvania’s sweet spots: our historic, robust industries that have shaped our state’s economy and infrastructure.
The manufacturing industry has long formed the foundation of Pennsylvania’s economy, a status maintained over the years through dynamic evolution to meet modern needs, and the incorporation of world-class research and development. With our strategic location allowing access to six out of the 10 largest U.S. markets and 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population in a single day’s drive, it’s no wonder manufacturers look here to grow their businesses. Six international airports, three international ports, and thousands of miles of interstates and railways keep Pennsylvania companies connected to their suppliers and customers, and keep their goods moving quickly and efficiently.
Pennsylvania offers an array of complimentary and confidential services.
Pennsylvania is developing cutting-edge technology in automation and manufacturing processes. We are working hard to develop a skilled and trained workforce to accommodate every manufacturing need, emphasizing STEM programs and training students at first-rate university labs in the latest in additive printing, lasers, and robotics.
That state of Pennsylvania has helped shape the U.S. manufacturing industry since the country’s infancy, and it has the knowledge, hard workers, and pre-existing infrastructure that go hand-in-hand with more than a century of helping building America. Manufacturing accounts for $82.9 billion in economic impact in our state. With more than 14,460 manufacturing businesses located in the commonwealth, we are ready to continue to create great products for our consumers. Homegrown Pennsylvania companies are using Hannover Messe as a platform to showcase their expertise and quality products. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also works closely with SelectUSA to showcase how we can help more companies succeed in our great state.
More than a dozen Pennsylvania companies are taking advantage of Hannover Messe to showcase their products and services. Reaxis, a company located in the Pittsburgh region, manufactures specialty coatings, while PCI Laboratories in the Philadelphia region makes high performance UV/EB coatings. Allegheny York Company, located in South Central Pennsylvania, manufactures seals and packing for various uses.
Two years ago, German steam generator manufacturer, CERTUSS, met with the representatives from Pennsylvania at Hannover Messe. The company ultimately made the decision to locate in Pennsylvania to establish its commercial activities for North America. The choice of Philadelphia for its U.S. flagship is both strategic and somewhat nostalgic. CERTUSS and Philadelphia share a common heritage: 13 families from Krefeld, Germany — where the company was founded and is headquartered — were involved in the founding of the City of Philadelphia. Beyond this historical connection, CERTUSS valued Philadelphia’s strategic position along the economically significant Northeast Corridor, its freight transport (seaport, airport, and rail) infrastructure, and the human resources available in terms of existing high-skilled workers and graduates of the area’s colleges and universities. CERTUSS is using the resources available from CBEI Commercialization Center at the Navy Yard and state and local economic developers to capture the potential for growing in the U.S. market.
For companies considering Pennsylvania as a location to do business, the state offers an array of complimentary and confidential services. Everything from researching sites, developing a supply network, export assistance, and recruiting quality employees can be accomplished with the assistance of the Office of International Business Development. Working together with our team of international foreign direct investment representatives and local partners, we provide the overall support and technical assistance required by foreign companies looking to invest, expand, and operate a business in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania will exhibit at Hannover Messe in the premier U.S. pavilion (Hall 3, Floor 6, Booth 22), sharing the space with three Pa. partners: Select Greater Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and CORE PA. Manufacturing is a legacy industry in Pennsylvania that continues to shine today.
Pennsylvania is the culmination of more than 200 years of revolutionary industry and intellect that began with the birth of our country. Since then, our state has proved to be a crucible for bold and imaginative ideas and thinkers, resulting in longstanding, successful legacies that are now common household names across the United States. Businesses don’t just succeed in Pennsylvania, they become institutions! Visit with us at the show to learn more about why companies from all over the world choose Pennsylvania and how we can help you succeed here too!
For more information on how Pennsylvania can assist investors, manufacturers, economic development organizations, and more, visit www.newpa.com/intl and follow @investPA on Twitter.
