DILLSBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, on Wednesday announced a significant $2 million investment aimed at bolstering Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector. This funding, part of the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), is earmarked for the expansion of Joseph Machine Company, a prominent player in custom machinery manufacturing, located in York County.
During a visit to Joseph Machine Company on Wednesday, Governor Shapiro underscored the critical nature of this investment within his administration’s Economic Development Strategy, which focuses on revitalizing manufacturing, creating jobs, and enhancing the state’s economic competitiveness. “Pennsylvania companies are building the future—the folks at Joseph Machine Company are yet another example of the innovation, growth, and success happening right here in York County thanks to the hard work of highly skilled Pennsylvania workers and top-of-the-line Pennsylvania suppliers,” Shapiro stated. He further expressed his commitment to generating up to 150 manufacturing jobs in Dillsburg as part of this initiative.
The RACP grant will facilitate a substantial 150,000-square-foot expansion of Joseph Machine Company’s existing facility. This development is poised to immediately create 35 permanent highly skilled jobs, with the potential to add up to 150 new positions upon full project completion. In alignment with Governor Shapiro’s vision, this expansion underscores a commitment to supporting sustainable, family-sustaining employment opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Anthony Pigliacampo, CEO of Joseph Machine Company, highlighted the strategic significance of this investment for the company and the broader manufacturing ecosystem. “As a family-owned business, we’re able to invest in the future we envision. At Joseph, we’ve consistently invested in our people, processes, and technology, averaging 20 percent growth for over 15 years,” he remarked. Pigliacampo emphasized that the RACP funding will enable the company to scale up operations, undertake larger automation projects, and enhance capabilities, benefiting the entire Pennsylvania manufacturing sector.
Founded over 30 years ago, Joseph Machine Company serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and renewable power. The company’s commitment to job creation and community partnerships has solidified its role as a key player in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing landscape. Through this expansion, Joseph Machine aims to double its module assembly capacity and strengthen its module reliability center, thereby meeting rising demand and supporting local suppliers across Southcentral Pennsylvania.
Tom Vajdic, Director of Sales & Marketing at Joseph Machine Company, reflected on the company’s impact, stating, “Joseph Machine is a team of talented individuals who share common goals and core values. This company gave me the freedom to innovate and see my ideas turn into real products that make a tangible difference for our customers.” Vajdic highlighted the company’s broad reach and significant impact across various sectors, from housing to electric vehicles and data centers.
The economic ripple effect of Joseph Machine’s expansion extends far beyond job creation. By sourcing 60 percent of materials from over 150 Pennsylvania suppliers, the company not only bolsters local manufacturing but also generates additional job opportunities within its regional supplier network.
Kevin Schreiber, President & CEO of the York County Economic Alliance, praised the investment’s potential to drive the local economy forward. “This investment will drive JMC’s expansion forward, doubling their workforce with the full build-out, leveraging nearly $11 million in private investment, and strengthening our manufacturing industry here in York County,” Schreiber noted. He emphasized Pennsylvania’s readiness for business and the administration’s commitment to economic growth.
This $2 million investment forms part of a broader $600 million commitment by the Shapiro Administration to over 400 projects fueling economic development across the Commonwealth. By focusing on key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, life sciences, and technology, the administration aims to cement Pennsylvania’s status as a leading economic powerhouse.
Secretary Rick Siger reiterated the significance of supporting manufacturing as a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and identity. “The Shapiro Administration is using its resources to support companies like Joseph Machine as they grow, create jobs, and further cement the Commonwealth’s status as a manufacturing leader,” Siger stated, emphasizing the state’s competitive edge in the national manufacturing landscape.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured over $3 billion in private sector investments and delivered a bipartisan budget for 2024-25 that supports key economic priorities, including site development, small business revitalization, and tourism marketing.
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