Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. (SE&A) announced at a groundbreaking ceremony that it is investing $7.2 million to expand its New Kensington, Pa., manufacturing facility. The plant expansion site, formerly known as Robicon, was acquired by SE&A in July 2005. Siemens plans to create 145 new full-time positions upon completion of the expansion for a total of 480 positions in New Kensington. The 30,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed in March 2007.

Siemens intends to develop a more efficient and productive manufacturing plant by expanding and redesigning the facility. The new facility will support SE&A’s growing large-drives business, specifically the Robicon Perfect Harmony brand. The enhanced plant will be dedicated to developing, assembling and testing large VFDs that are used in oil and gas, power generation and municipal wastewater applications. In addition to the new facility, SE&A will maintain its current New Kensington plant facility and offices along with its technical product development center in nearby Plum Borough, PA.

The state of Pennsylvania has offered Siemens a number of incentives to help secure the investment and proceed with the upgrade.

“Not only is Siemens investing $7.2 million to build this new manufacturing and testing facility, the company is also creating good jobs that will support families,” said Governor Rendell. “Siemens Energy & Automation is part of a global company, and one that has decided Pennsylvania is the place to be to do business.”

“Siemens recognizes the value of our skilled and productive work force in the U.S. as well as the value of American innovation,” said Harry Volande, executive vice president and CFO, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. “This investment is a testament to that ingenuity and work ethic and to our commitment to our employees and manufacturing in the U.S.”

“The New Kensington facility is of significant importance to Siemens’ growth strategy,” said Gary Rauscher, vice president and general manager, Large Drives, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. “We are confident that it will become a center of excellence for Siemens by producing the highest-quality large drives for our customers and by accelerating drive technology innovations that will dramatically improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process throughout the world.”

Siemens companies employ nearly 9,700 people in some 59 locations throughout Pennsylvania. More Siemens employees reside in Pennsylvania than any other state in the U.S. Pennsylvania is home to the headquarters of Siemens Medical Solutions and USFilter.

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