Panel suggests ways to boost manufacturing in Pa.

A new report looking into ways to strengthen Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry includes 15 recommendations ranging from employee education to regulatory overhaul.

Members of the Corbett Administration are fanning out across the state to highlight portions of the governor’s advisory council report.

Education Secretary Ron Tomalis is focusing on the call to bolster training of Pennsylvania’s future workforce.

He says he hears from manufacturing company presidents who are looking for more skilled workers.

“What they often say is, yes, give me someone who has the training and the capabilities to run that multimillion-dollar piece of machinery behind me, but just as important, give me a worker who has the skills and capabilities to read the operation manual,” Tomalis said Tuesday.

The report’s recommendations also include finding ways to fund the commonwealth’s aging infrastructure, especially its rural roads and bridges.

It also suggests continued reductions in business taxes and a regular review of state regulations on businesses.

The recommendations of the 24-member Governor’s Manufacturing Advisory Council have been sent to the Legislature as well as Gov. Tom Corbett.