W. Pa. semiconductor producer gets financial boost
a. (WKBN) – In an effort to make the U.S. more independent in semiconductor manufacturing, Powerex Inc. in Westmoreland County is getting state and federal money to expand.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that the Commonwealth is investing $1 million in Powerex to modernize and upgrade its facility in Youngwood, creating 25 new jobs and retaining 215 existing jobs. Youngwood is about 36 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Powerex plans to expand its facility and double its module assembly capacity. It's one of the last vertically integrated power semiconductor facilities in the United States.
Powerex received a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a grant of up to $1 million for eligible project costs. It is also receiving up to $3 million in federal funding through the CHIPS and Science Act to support its growth in Pennsylvania.
Powerex is a leading supplier of discrete devices, modules, and high-power semiconductor solutions for many markets, including military power electronics applications, aircraft, alternate energy, electric vehicles, medical power supplies, and more.
