Congressman Mike Kelly | Mike Kelly Official website
Congressman Mike Kelly | Mike Kelly Official website
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On April 28, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued this statement following the news that Vitro Architectural Glass will rebuild and modernize a production line at its Meadville Plant, creating 130 new manufacturing jobs in Crawford County. Vitro has entered into an agreement with First Solar, America's largest fully vertically integrated solar manufacturer, to manufacture glass for the company's advanced thin film photovolatic solar panels.
In December, Rep. Kelly wrote a letter of support on behalf of Vitro to the Biden administration.
“I’m incredibly excited to hear Vitro Architectural Glass will be expanding their footprint right here in the Meadville area, and they are bringing 130 new full-time manufacturing jobs with them,” Rep. Kelly said. “In recent years, I’ve led the fight here in Washington to cut the red tape and create fair trade laws that have allowed companies like Vitro to grow and create new jobs here in Western Pennsylvania. This upcoming expansion builds upon Crawford County’s rich history in the manufacturing industry. I look forward to working alongside the hardworking team at Vitro Architectural Glass in the years to come!”
BACKGROUND
In December, Rep. Kelly wrote a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai requesting Vitro's approval for tariff relief to import critical Vacuum Insulation Glass (VIG) manufacturing equipment from China necessary for expansion. According to Vitro, China is the only country currently producing this equipment. The equipment costs $30 million and the current 25% tariff on importing equipment from China was otherwise cost prohibitive.
The tariff relief and imported equipment will allow for job creation in Crawford County.
Vitro will invest $93.6 million to rebuild and modernize the line at their plant, which is located in Cochranton. The investment will also include the construction of offline production capabilities. Production is expected to start in the second quarter of 2025.
Issues: Tax Reform, Small Business, & The Economy
Original source can be found here.
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