In his first public appearance since the election, Gov. Josh Shapiro visited York County on Wednesday and shared his thoughts on the results of several Pennsylvania races.
Shapiro was in Dillsburg to announce a $2 million investment in local manufacturer Joseph Machine Company.
“Fortunately, lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, agreed to this and now we have the tools necessary to invest in a company like this,” Shapiro said during a tour of the company with Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger. Funds were made available through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
“Why do we focus on Joseph? Because Joseph is committed to American manufacturing and they are committed to Pennsylvania manufacturing,” Shapiro said. “They will create dozens of recent jobs here and hopefully begin a multi-pronged expansion so that Dillsburg will become the capital of the world when it comes to producing the type of machinery that powers our cars and keeps our homes safe and sound and offers much, much more “
Anthony Pigliacampo, CEO of Joseph Machine Co., described the company founded by his immigrant father decades ago as an “American success story.”
“We truly believe that a strong U.S. manufacturing sector is essential to a thriving economy,” he said Wednesday. “Most people don’t think about this when they’re innovating, but it’s what lowers costs.”
Pigliacampo emphasized the impact that state funding will have on the company.
“The RACP funding we have received will make a huge difference to us,” he said. “We are a family company. Over the last 20 years, we have invested heavily in our people, our processes and our technology, which has actually enabled us to grow 20% per year for almost 15 years in a row.”
Pigliacampo added that with the funds “they will take over this facility and we will expand it and build another facility next to it.”
Shapiro pointed out that the materials Joseph uses come from Pennsylvania companies, and the investment not only helps their company but also others in the state.
After prepared remarks, Shapiro told reporters he remains focused on solving the problems facing Pennsylvanians following the last election.
“We will continue to focus on economic opportunity, schools, safety and things that bring people together. So my focus won’t change,” Shapiro said. “And look, despite the fact that there was an election that brought significant change at the national level, here at the state level we continue to re-elect people who are focused on providing greater opportunities and who are willing to work together. “
“Democrats will maintain a majority in the House of Representatives, Republicans will maintain a majority in the Senate, and I am ready to continue working with both to advance the cause of true freedom and opportunity in Pennsylvania,” he added.
Shapiro congratulated House Speaker Joanna McClinton, House Democratic Leader Matt Bradford and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris for maintaining Democrats’ one-seat majority in the statehouse.
“They faced significant adversity and won,” Shapiro said.
In addition to Donald Trump winning the state’s 19 electoral votes, Republicans took statewide offices.
Shapiro was asked a question about Republican-elect Dave Sunday.
“Attorney General Dave Sunday is a really valuable guy who I worked closely with when I was AG and he was district attorney,” Shapiro said, referring to their relationship when he served as state attorney general and Sunday was district attorney in York County .
“He is someone I know will enforce the law without fear or favor. He will have his own approach to his work, as he should. Voters elected him to lead this extremely important office,” Shapiro added. “He and I communicated. We will continue to communicate and I know we will work together to protect the good people of Pennsylvania.”
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
