Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth is investing over $6.7 million to support the growth of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI) in the Pittsburgh region. MEPPI, in collaboration with its parent company Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) in Japan, is making an $86 million investment to build an advanced switchgear factory and expand its power electronics facilities and test labs. The new factory will create at least 200 new jobs and retain an additional 806 jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The factory will produce both gas insulated and vacuum circuit breakers. This investment is driven by the increasing demand for transmission and distribution grid products as the U.S. moves toward renewable energy and decarbonization goals.
Pennsylvania successfully competed against Ohio for the MEPPI project, proving the Commonwealth is open for business under the Shapiro Administration.
“Pennsylvania is open for business, and we are working every single day to make our Commonwealth the best state in the nation for business growth and economic opportunity,” said Governor Shapiro. “Right here in the Pittsburgh region, we’re making targeted investments to attract more projects like this one, boost our economy, and create good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians. Since day one, my Administration has been focused on building a stronger economy that creates opportunities and a brighter future for our communities – and these jobs are yet another step forward in that work.”
“The Pittsburgh region has been a hub of advanced manufacturing and energy innovation for centuries. We commend MEPPI on their decision to expand here through their commitment to solving complex challenges with sustainable energy solutions,” said Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Stefani Pashman. “It was our privilege to work side-by-side with MEPPI leadership to integrate the efforts of dozens of state and county partners to make this expansion a reality. We stand at the ready to continue partnering with MEPPI and other businesses who have committed to growing and developing our region.”
MEPPI received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant and a $2.75 million Pennsylvania First grant. The company was also encouraged to apply for a tax deduction through the Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction (QMIRD) program.
“MEPPI’s investment in the Pittsburgh region is a tremendous win for all of Pennsylvania,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Energy and manufacturing are two key sectors we’re focusing on in the Economic Development Strategy, and projects like MEPPI’s are further fueling these industries and our economy. Governor Shapiro and I are committed to investing in more projects like this one to build a stronger Pennsylvania that works for everyone.”
Headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, MEPPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and serves the North American power systems, data center, rail transportation, and large visual display markets with electrical and electronic products, systems, solutions, and services.
“By investing in a state-of-the-art switchgear factory, we will serve our customers, and we will significantly advance the production of critical components that strengthen both distribution and transmission grids while driving new technologies forward in support of the nation’s decarbonization initiatives,” said Tricia Breeger, President and CEO of MEPPI. “Our switchgear and power electronics solutions are essential for meeting the growing demand for electricity, from powering homes and businesses to supporting the rapid expansion of data centers.”
Energy and manufacturing are two of the industries highlighted in Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, the first plan of its kind in almost 20 years. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger unveiled the economic development strategy earlier this year in order to capitalize on the Commonwealth’s strengths and will reignite our economy by focusing on the Agriculture, Energy, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Robotics and Technology sectors.
Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has secured and announced over $3 billion in private sector investments.