(Photos provided by Gov. Shapiro’s Office)

Aliquippa, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined Versatex leadership and local leaders to announce that the company – a leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable outdoor living products – is investing $40 million in a project that includes new production capacity and the construction of a new, 96,500-square-foot facility at the Aliquippa Industrial Park in Beaver County. The project is expected to create at least 80 new jobs, building upon the current workforce of approximately 180 employees based in Aliquippa and over 400 in Scranton.

Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has secured and announced nearly $2 billion in private sector investments through the Governor’s Action Team and PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) investments – and the Governor’s proposed 2024-25 budget and Economic Development Strategy prioritize economic development to continue to help businesses grow in Pennsylvania.

“For nearly two decades, Versatex has called Aliquippa home – and with the support of the Commonwealth, Versatex is investing $40 million in Beaver County to double its manufacturing capacity, build out an entirely new production line, and create 80 new jobs,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “This is what is possible when we invest in economic development – and I want more companies to see that Pennsylvania is open for business and we are ready to work with you. That’s why my budget proposes $600 million in economic development initiatives to grow our economy, rebuild our communities, and help Pennsylvania compete to win. We can turn dirt into jobs and do big things again in Pennsylvania – but we need to invest to make it happen.”

In addition to the construction of the new facility, Versatex will also renovate its existing facility at 400 Steel Street in Aliquippa. The project will allow the company to expand its production capacity for existing product lines, begin production of its new composite siding product line, and add machinery that will increase its use of recycled material in the production process.  Versatex’s parent company, the AZEK Company, currently employs more than 600 employees across its Aliquippa and Scranton manufacturing locations.

“The Commonwealth’s investment in Versatex is creating and keeping strong, family-sustaining manufacturing jobs right here in Western Pennsylvania,” saidDCED Secretary Rick Siger. “We are open for business, and today’s announcement is another big win for the Commonwealth. We look forward to watching Versatex grow and thrive as a key manufacturer in the region.”

Through DCED, Versatex received a $2.65 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $400,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $160,000workforce development grant to train workers.

Versatex produces a number of PVC trims, moldings, soffit and custom mill work for the residential renovation and new construction industries. The company was originally formed in 2004 under the name Wolfpac Technologies. In 2018, the company was acquired by The AZEK Company, a leading designer and manufacturer of low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable wood alternative outdoor living and building products, including under its TimberTech and AZEK Exteriors brands.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in this significant expansion of Versatex’s operations in Beaver County,” said Versatex President Scott Van Winter. “This approximately $40 million investment underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. Combined with AZEK’s approximately $58 million investment at its Scranton locations in recent years, we are not only bolstering the local economy but also reinforcing Pennsylvania’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse. We are grateful for the support from the Governor’s Action Team and look forward to continuing our work together to build a brighter future for the Aliquippa community and beyond.”

“There is an economic resurgence happening along our riverfront in Aliquippa, Beaver County. The renaissance in these small communities must continue – and this investment from Versatex and the Shapiro Administration will give many Aliquippa residents economic opportunity,” said Aliquippa Mayor Dwan B. Walker. “Investments like this are putting people back to work with livable wages to take care of their families – and today’s announcement is the latest example of how we can work together as state and city leaders with our local businesses to create and retain jobs, support our workforce, and maintain our manufacturing history and footprint right here to drive economic growth.”

“Today is yet another chapter in the comeback of making products here in Pennsylvania. When we invest in companies like Versatex, we’re investing in people,” said Representative Robe Matzie. “Having a partner like Governor Shapiro and his team, who are equally committed to competing with other states and planting a flag to all who will listen, shows that Beaver County and all of Pennsylvania is open for business. And like the Governor likes to say, and something I personally and we collectively want, is to get stuff done.”

“We’d like to thank the Commonwealth, Governor Shapiro and our state delegation for all the assistance they have provided to make this happen,” said Lew Villotti, President, Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development. “Versatex is a valued member of our business community. This expansion builds upon Beaver County’s long heritage of manufacturing and through this investment Versatex continues to show their commitment to Beaver County and the Aliquippa area.”

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the Governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

The Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal calls for $600 million in total new and expanded investments directly tied back to this ten-year strategy that will enhance DCED’s ability to implement the plan. The investments include:

• $500 million in PA SITES funding to bring more commercial and industrial sites online and ensure companies have options for attractive business environments where they can move quickly and thrive in Pennsylvania.
• $25 million for the Main Street Matters program, to support small businesses and commercial corridors that are the backbone of communities across our Commonwealth. This new program will build upon and modernize the Keystone Communities program.
• $20 million to support large-scale innovation and leverage Pennsylvania’s best-in-class research and development assets. This funding will be used to incentivize additional private venture capital, positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation while proactively investing in entrepreneurs who have historically lacked access to venture capital funding.
• $3.5 million to create and launch the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge, which will incentivize regional growth, build vibrant and resilient regions, and support communities by investing in the development of comprehensive strategies to propel entire regions forward.

You can read more about Pennsylvania’s first economic development strategy here.

For more information on how the Governor’s proposed budget will create opportunity for all Pennsylvanians, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.

(Monaca Borough, Pa.) Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano is reporting that she received an e-mail from Monaca Borough Manager Dave Kramer stating that the Borough’s water is safe to drink and that the boil water advisory is lifted as of Wednesday, June 19, 20204 . The boil water advisory was issued last week.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing crack and joint sealing activities on various roadways in Beaver County starts Wednesday, June 19 weather permitting.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing paving operations on Route 351 in Koppel Borough, Beaver County will occur Wednesday, June 19 weather permitting.

New Brighton Borough announced via Facebook a little after 3:00PM today that 3rd Ave. (Rt 65/18) has reopened after clean up was completed from last night’s severe storm that passed through the area creating widespread damage in its path.

The borough also announced that the following roads are opened or will be shortly:

400 block of 15th Street
1300 block of Penn Avenue
500 block of 2nd Avenue

The roads listed below will remain closed overnight and crews will continue to work and remove tree debris tomorrow morning as utility workers disconnect downed utility wires:

1600 block of Penn Avenue
1700 block of 4th Avenue
300 block of 10th Avenue
1400 block of 4th Street

Duquesne Light is now reporting that 243 customers in the New Brighton area remain without power.

No additional incident announcements will be issued by email.  Please visit facebook.com/NewBrightonPA for any future updates.

The Aliquippa police were called around 3am last Friday about a burglary at the Food Mart on Sheffield Rd. It’s reported that two white males were seen on camera wearing ski masks , casing the business. They eventually broke into the building by throwing objects at the glass door and breaking it. The men then left with stolen merchandise only to return to the store wearing different clothing. They prowled the building again before walking off. All of their actions were caught on surveillance cameras. Anyone with information can call the Aliquippa Police at 724-775-0880.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published June 17, 2024 7:06 P.M.

(New Brighton, PA) A severe storm raged through the county Monday afternoon. The storm contained extremely high winds, hail, and heavy rain. New Brighton fell victim to extensive damages including an automotive shop having their roof ripped off and a large tree landing on a home.

A co-owner of All Access Automotive, located along Route 65 told Beaver County Radio they were pulling a brand new tow truck into the shop when the back end starting lifting up and then the roof of the building was torn away.

Around the same time on 5th Avenue between 16th and 17th Street, a tree fell onto a residence bring down power lines with it. The people who live in the home, who were inside when the tree came down, say that they were okay with no injuries. The tree pulled up a cement patio along with its roots.

Elsewhere in the same neighborhood of New Brighton, numerous other trees came down, with some landing on vehicles and destroying fences.

One resident told Beaver County Radio they saw a vortex in the sky. Another resident said their door blew open and the wind took a hat off of their head. Beaver County Radio witnessed sudden extremely high winds and hail after a period of heavy rain was calming down. We will await reports to learn if tornado activity was present in this storm.

Numerous trees and wires down are being reported throughout the county and numerous road detours are in place. Photos can be viewed below.

(Photo provided)

HARRISBURG – As millions of Pennsylvanians experience a surge in hot weather, and the official start of summer arrives later this week, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to explore simple #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave – helping to conserve energy and keep summer power bills manageable.

#WaysToStayCool

Tip: Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler,
without needing to lower your thermostat.

There are several simple things most consumers can do, at little or no added cost, to increase summer comfort while managing power usage and energy costs:

• Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler even at higher temps.
• Follow the Shade – Spend time in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
• Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce heat buildup.
• Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and stoves until it is cooler.
• Cookout, Anyone? – Consider using outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves instead of stoves or ovens, which can increase indoor heat.

#WaysToSave

Tip: Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat
above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

In addition to staying cool, the PUC highlights several #WaysToSave energy and money:

• Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Tip: For more energy-saving tips, visit PAPowerSwitch.com and check your utility’s website for conservation and efficiency resources.

A variety of energy conservation and savings tips are available on the PUC’s official electric shopping website – PAPowerSwitch.com.

Also, many utilities provide information on their websites about conservation, energy efficiency, energy use assessments, and other tools to help manage energy usage. Consumers should explore these resources for additional tips on saving money.

(File Photo)

AMBRIDGE, June 17 – New grant funding of up to $100,000 from the state Department of Labor and Industry will support programs by the Literacy Pittsburgh organization to ensure residents in Beaver County and around the region have the computer skills they need to succeed, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the funding will help residents get the skills required for good jobs and community connections.

“Knowing how to use a computer holds the key to so many important life opportunities, from finding and qualifying for good jobs to locating essential programs and services,” Matzie said. “That’s why the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has been working to ensure that the infrastructure and funding are in place to provide residents with access to high-speed internet. But the other essential part of the equation is that folks need to have the skills to take advantage of those connections.

“The new funding to Literacy Pittsburgh to enhance their digital literacy programs is an important step toward that goal.”

The grant is part of a package of $4.9 million in funding to organizations statewide. More information is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Labor-and-Industry-Details.aspx?newsid=855.