The U.S. manufacturing sector has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, with many firms closing plants and others shipping operations overseas. However, in certain cases firms in serious danger of folding have found ways to stay open and increase hiring.
In one recent case, Pennsylvania-based Fairchild Semiconductor announced that it would be looking to fill positions at its Mountain Top-based manufacturing plant, the Citizen's Voice reports. The company thought it would have to close due to economic hardships, and the change of fortune is considered a major victory for the local economy.
"Last November, when they formally reversed the 2009 decision to close, we were thrilled," said Larry Newman, vice president for economic development for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, according to the paper. "Fairchild's clean-room [electronics] manufacturing is critically important to this region's future. Fairchild shows this region's work force is capable of this value-added manufacturing, which has global applications."
Overall, the Pennslyvania employment picture remained flat during the month of May. The state's unemployment rate stood at 7.4 percent last month, the same as in April.