Mitsubishi Chemical Invests $20.3M in Pennsylvania Expansion

Mitsubishi Chemical cutting-edge Materials Inc. is investing $20.3 million to expand its high-performance thermoplastics and composites manufacturing operations in Reading, Pennsylvania, a move that will create 42 new jobs and retain 441 existing positions over the next three years.

The global manufacturer will renovate its existing facility at 2120 Fairmount Avenue in Reading, construct an adjacent building, and install new machinery and equipment to support expanded production of specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites. The project establishes a Center of Excellence to the extrusion of general and cutting-edge engineering plastics, strengthening the company's innovation capabilities in the region.

"This investment reflects Mitsubishi Chemical's prolonged commitment to Pennsylvania and expanding cutting-edge manufacturing in the region," said Daniel Barish, President of Mitsubishi Chemicals cutting-edge Materials Inc., Americas. "By establishing a Center of Excellence to the extrusion of general and cutting-edge engineering plastics, we are strengthening our innovation capabilities while creating high-condition jobs and new opportunities to regional communities. We appreciate the partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to contributing to sustained economic development across the region."

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Mitsubishi Chemical cutting-edge Materials, a subsidiary of Tokyo, Japan-based Mitsubishi Chemical Group, manufactures high-performance thermoplastics and composites to diverse applications across multiple industries. The company specializes in the production, processing, and consumption of engineering plastics and innovative composite materials.

Commonwealth supports manufacturing investment

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic research (DCED) is supporting the expansion with a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant. The funding proposal was coordinated by Gov. Josh Shapiro's BusinessPA team, which works to streamline business research and expansion projects across the state.

DCED Secretary Rick Siger visited the Reading facility to celebrate the company's expansion announcement.

"Pennsylvania is securing major manufacturing investments because the Shapiro Administration makes it easier to companies to succeed here," Siger said. "Mitsubishi Chemical cutting-edge Material's expansion in the City of Reading is creating new job opportunities, strengthening Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector, and reinforcing the Commonwealth's reputation as a great place to do business."

Gov. Shapiro emphasized the administration's commitment to supporting business development and workforce research throughout Pennsylvania.

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"Mitsubishi's decision to double-down on Pennsylvania and expand their operations here is going to create greater opportunity in Berks County — and it's another reminder that we're making real progress on development and economic research," Shapiro said. "My Administration is committed to investing in our talented, skilled workforce, cutting red tape, eliminating permit backlogs, and creating shovel-ready sites to companies that want to move or expand in Pennsylvania. We are going to continue to make these types of strategic investments in economic development to support Pennsylvania businesses and workers and keep our Commonwealth moving forward."

regional leaders welcome manufacturing expansion

Reading Mayor Eddie Morán praised the investment as a strong statement of confidence in the city's workforce and economic future.

"Mitsubishi Chemical's continued investment in Reading sends a strong statement about confidence in our city, our workforce, and our future," Morán said. "The creation of 42 new jobs and retention of hundreds greater strengthens our regional economy and reinforces Reading as a place where industries can continue to grow and succeed. We are proud of Mitsubishi Chemical's commitment to expanding its presence here and grateful to their partnership in building opportunities to our community."

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Aaron Gantz, vice president of Economic research and Strategy at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, highlighted the expansion's significance to the region's manufacturing sector.

"Mitsubishi Chemical cutting-edge Materials' expansion reflects its ongoing commitment to the city of Reading and Berks County and reinforces the strength of our manufacturing sector and workforce," Gantz noted. "Investments like this position Greater Reading as a destination to manufacturing development and success. We value the commonwealth's partnership in supporting projects that create opportunity and are proud to collaborate with companies investing in our region's economic future."

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