Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a bill to strengthen Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry.

Act 24 of 2024, sponsored by Senator Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny), creates the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act to provide advanced manufacturing grants and loans to eligible applicants. Advanced manufacturing uses technology to develop and improve products across a variety of industries. Act 24 allows state universities to partner with engineering firms to improve research, foster business partnerships, produce high-quality products, and create well-paying jobs.

“The Max Manufacturing Initiative Act represents a significant investment in advanced manufacturing and our state,” Robinson said in a statement. “It is the result of extensive collaboration, hard work and bipartisan support; I am thrilled that the governor has signed it into law.”

The U.S. manufacturing industry generates more than $5.8 trillion annually. Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector employs more than 564,700 residents and accounts for nearly 10% of the state's jobs.

“This bill not only strengthens collaboration between state universities and engineering firms, but it will also foster solid business partnerships, drive production of high-quality products and create good-paying jobs,” Robinson said. “The Max Manufacturing Initiative Act is a tremendous step forward for our state's economic growth and technological advancement.”

The new law establishes two funds – the Max Manufacturing Initiative Fund and the Max Manufacturing Endeavor Loan Fund, which will provide grants and loans for specialized equipment, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing facilities. Both funds will be overseen by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

The bill was approved earlier this month by the state House of Representatives.