Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships

Would position state to be leader in manufacturing and technology

Rep. Robert Matzie    June 5, 2024 | 1:15 PM

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie lauded yesterday’s concurrence vote by the House that will send an innovative manufacturing bill to the governor’s desk. 

Speaking in support of S.B. 497 – which would establish the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act – Matzie said that by facilitating public-private partnerships, the bill would encourage investment in fields like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, medical technology and biotechnology to create jobs, spur innovation and attract new high-tech industries to the state. 

“In southwestern Pennsylvania, the regional impact will be significant,” Matzie said. “The potential for the University of Pittsburgh, the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Airport and private businesses to partner with each other in building the next wave of new manufacturing and technologies is limitless.    

“For our county, it means jobs, jobs, jobs. Good, stable, family-sustaining jobs that we often talk about but rarely have the opportunity to legislate. This is one of those opportunities.”

Introduced by Sen. Devlin Robinson, the bill would make it easier for state universities to partner with industry by providing grants and loans to applicants engaged in advanced manufacturing. After the state Senate passed the bill in June 2023, the House passed the bill with amendments in December 2023.

The Senate concurred in the House amendments earlier this year and added its own amendments.

Yesterday, the House concurred in the Senate amendments. 

The bill has been signed in both houses and now heads to the governor’s desk.

Video of Matzie speaking in the House chamber is available here: 
Matzie Supports The Max Manufacturing Initiative Act.mp4