July 31, 2006 • The Manitowoc Crane Group (MCG) expects to create up to 250 new jobs at its manufacturing facility in Shady Grove, Pa. • in part because of a $600,000 “Opportunity Grant” presented to the company recently by Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. MCG was selected for the award because of a three-year expansion plan to add jobs, update facilities, and invest in new capital equipment at the Shady Grove facility. Manitowoc will receive the awards in the form of grants and tax incentives.
“The long history of Manitowoc Crane Group's manufacturing facility here in Pennsylvania, together with its record of job creation and solid growth, is why I'm happy to present this Opportunity Grant,” said Gov. Rendell. “The company's commitment to creating 250 high-quality jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage is highly commendable, and just one of the reasons it is so respected throughout the community.”
The funds originate from a $50 million state appropriation managed by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The highly competitive monetary awards are reserved for companies that strive to create high-quality jobs for the people of Pennsylvania. In recent years, there has been emphasis on giving these awards to companies to promote growth in the manufacturing sector.
“We are proud to be receiving this grant package from Governor Rendell and the State of Pennsylvania,” said John Wheeler, MCG's executive vice president for the Americas. “We take our job creation role in the local community very seriously. These funds will help us update our facility and provide training to our new manufacturing personnel ensuring a safe workplace and the financial well-being of our employees.”
