Pittsburgh robotics companies should be able to build more in Pa., top official says

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Last edited Fri Apr 14, 2023, 10:44 AM - Edit history (1)

(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2023/04/13/pittsburgh-robotics-companies-manufacturing-pennsylvania/stories/202304130127

HARRISBURG — The state’s top economic development official wants robotics companies in the Pittsburgh area to manufacture materials they need in Western Pennsylvania, rather than getting them from places such as Illinois or Europe.

“Can we help them build it here?” Rick Siger, acting secretary of Community and Economic Development, asked lawmakers Thursday, as he described efforts since he took the job in January under Gov. Josh Shapiro. Mr. Siger was previously chief of staff and senior adviser to the president at Carnegie Mellon University.

The goal, Mr. Siger said during a state House Appropriations Committee hearing on his agency’s proposed $191 million budget, is to create ties between robotics developers and local manufacturers. “Like, here is a manufacturer that can help your robotics company build this widget that you need for your process,” Mr. Siger said.

The sentiment was in line with Mr. Shapiro’s inauguration day remarks that he is “competitive as hell” and “sick and tired” of seeing Pennsylvania lose out to other states. Mr. Siger told lawmakers Thursday that the state needs an aggressive, competitive agenda and that he would take “a hard look at the way we do economic development.”

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With the partnership of Google and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh has become a hub for high-tech companies in the last 10 to 15 years. Some are even calling Pittsburgh "Silicon Valley East" - but that might be a stretch. After the old steel and coke mills have been removed, the city offers choice riverfront property available and the tech companies are moving in.