Pennsylvania’s rich industrial heritage, bolstered by its strategic north east location offering prime access to top US markets, has established a rock-solid infrastructure that is both supporting today’s advanced industries and paving the way to sustain future economies.

Pennsylvania is revolutionising its jobs climate by lowering taxes and growing the state’s energy sector. By harnessing the world’s second-largest energy field, Pennsylvania is driving down energy costs and reigniting manufacturing. Factor in a highly skilled workforce of 6.3 million and unparalleled collaboration with world-renowned universities, and you will see why Pennsylvania is built to advance.

SUPERIOR WORKFORCE FROM EXCEPTIONAL UNIVERSITIES
Pennsylvania’s universities are world-renowned and include four of the top 50 educational institutions in the nation. More state funding has been directed to public education than during any other time in Pennsylvania’s history, and this year, more than $450 million will be invested in job training for Pennsylvanians. The commonwealth offers an extensive range of customised job training programmes and partnerships – many specifically designed for businesses choosing to locate within the state.

STRATEGIC LOCATION A GATEWAY TO US MARKETS
Pennsylvania’s keystone location is within a day’s drive of six of the 10 largest US markets and 60 per cent of Canada’s population. To ensure Pennsylvania is built to advance, new transportation legislation will result in the state investing $64 billion into its roads and bridges and multi-modal transportation systems over the next 12 years.

A REFRESHED ECONOMIC CLIMATE AND INCENTIVES TO HELP BUSINESS GROW
From the Manufacturing Tax Exemption and the single sales factor for corporate net income tax, to market-based sourcing and permitting and regulatory reform, Pennsylvania is once again open for business.

Governor Corbett led the drive to reform the state tax appeals process, which earned Pennsylvania “the most improved” state in the nation designation from the Council on State Taxation in 2013.

Pennsylvania also offers more than 70 economic development programmes, ranging from grants, tax credits and low-interest loans to taxable and tax-exempt bond financing and tax-free zones.

FUELLING BUSINESS GROWTH
Pennsylvania is leading America’s energy revolution and is now a net exporter of energy. Abundant natural gas reserves helped propel the state to the second-largest producer in the nation (U.S. Energy Information Administration), resulting in a 50 per cent decline in natural gas prices for Pennsylvania businesses. A diverse electric generation portfolio has aided consumer savings: electricity prices are down 40 per cent. This translates into billions of dollars in annual savings for consumers and businesses, raising the state’s competitiveness while bringing stability to long-term energy costs.

Pennsylvania is committed to breaking down barriers for businesses seeking to locate in the state. Led by the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD), the state has become a leader in cross-border projects and is one of the nation’s fastest growing exporters, thanks to its global network of overseas offices which cover more than 55 markets worldwide. These efforts have helped make Pennsylvania home to nearly 6100 foreign-owned businesses employing more than 258,000 people. More than a quarter of foreign-owned firms in Pennsylvania are from the United Kingdom, ranking it first in both number of businesses and jobs.

In the last four years, major international companies – including Almac Sciences, BAE Systems, Boden, Mark Group, UK CarGroup and others – have found a place in Pennsylvania’s vibrant business community, adding to the more than 1400 British companies already located in the state.

Working with the OIBD and its partners, international companies can learn about setting up and operating a business in Pennsylvania – including taxes, immigration, site selection, real estate and legal issues. The OIBD can also assist with gathering market intelligence and making initial introductions for companies to potential partners and others engaged in their industry across the state.

Pennsylvania understands what businesses need to grow and thrive. That is why the Keystone State is investing in energy, in our infrastructure, in education and in our workforce to build a stronger Pennsylvania that is built to advance.