Keystone Potato Products LLC has been awarded $784,350 to support the installation of an anaerobic digester and a combined heat and power system at its food manufacturing facility. The project is expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and support continued economic activity in the region.
“Investments like this help strengthen our local economy while supporting key industries that provide jobs in our communities,” said Rep. Joanne Stehr (R-Northumberland/Schuylkill). “By helping manufacturers upgrade their operations and reduce energy costs, this funding allows businesses to remain competitive and continue growing here in Pennsylvania.”
In a separate award, MBA Building Supplies in West Mahanoy Township will receive $580,536 to install a new solar system, purchase an electrified forklift and upgrade to energy-efficient lighting at its steel framing product manufacturing facility.
“Investments like this are a strong step toward keeping Pennsylvania manufacturing competitive and growing,” said Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123). “By helping local businesses modernize operations, improve efficiency and lower costs, this funding strengthens our workforce, supports good-paying jobs and reinforces the long-term economic strength of our communities.”
Twardzik noted the MBA Northeast plant in Frackville serves as a Mid-Atlantic manufacturing hub for commercial steel framing, supplying projects across Pennsylvania and throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic within a one-day trucking radius.
Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), who joined both announcements, emphasized the importance of manufacturing to the region’s economy.
“Manufacturing remains one of the strongest drivers of jobs in our region,” Argall said. “I am pleased to see this highly competitive state funding awarded to local companies to help modernize their infrastructure.”
The RISE PA program is a $396 million statewide initiative funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. It provides funding to industrial facilities for projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
In the latest round of funding, more than $267 million was awarded to 31 projects across the Commonwealth. These projects are expected to reduce more than 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in their first year while saving businesses more than $3 million annually in energy costs.