Dauphin News

Members of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48), will convene in Allentown this week to discuss Pennsylvania semiconductor production and the workforce pipeline in the state.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Infinera Corporation's facility located at 7360 Windsor Drive. In addition to the discussions, attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the facility and gain insights into advanced manufacturing.

The roundtable discussion will focus on several key areas, including workforce development, career and education opportunities, and the expansion of advanced manufacturing. This event aims to address the current challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor industry in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "This discussion is crucial for us to understand the needs of the semiconductor industry in Pennsylvania and to identify ways to support its growth and development. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, we can collaborate on strategies to strengthen our workforce pipeline and ensure that Pennsylvania remains a leader in semiconductor production."

Sen. Chris Gebhard, who will co-chair the event, also emphasized the importance of workforce development in this sector. He stated, "The semiconductor industry plays a vital role in our state's economy, and we must ensure that we have a skilled workforce to meet the industry's demands. This discussion will allow us to explore various avenues for workforce training and education, ultimately fostering the growth of this industry in Pennsylvania."

The event at Infinera Corporation will provide a platform for industry leaders, educational institutions, and policymakers to exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships. The goal is to develop strategies that will enhance the state's semiconductor production capabilities and create more opportunities for Pennsylvania's workforce.

This event comes at a time when the semiconductor industry is experiencing rapid growth and transformation. With advancements in technology and increasing demand for semiconductors in various sectors, including automotive, telecommunications, and healthcare, it is crucial for Pennsylvania to position itself as a hub for semiconductor production.

Infinera, the host company for the event, is a global leader in optical networking solutions. Their facility in Allentown showcases cutting-edge technology and serves as an ideal location for discussing the future of semiconductor production in Pennsylvania.

Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to attend the event and contribute to the discussions on workforce development and the expansion of advanced manufacturing in the semiconductor industry. For further information, please contact Matt Szuchyt (Sen. Pennycuick), Derek Clepper (Sen. Gebhard), or Scott Larson (Infinera).

The roundtable discussion in Allentown will serve as a significant step towards strengthening Pennsylvania's semiconductor industry and ensuring a skilled workforce for future growth and innovation.