Voith Turbo unveils expansion project that adds jobs; increases sales – Central Penn Business Journal

A newly completed $5.8 million expansion project is expected to expand York-based Voith Turbo’s workforce and double sales by 2030. 

“Such growth not only reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers, but also underscores our unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” Ralf Dreckmann, president of Voith Turbo in North America, said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 10,000-square-foot expansion of Voith Turbo’s workshop Tuesday morning.  

This fourth expansion at Voith Turbo’s York plant since 1990 is fueled by the Buy America compliance guidelines requiring a significant portion of federally assisted projects be manufactured in the United States. 

Dreckmann said the expansion will allow Voith Turbo to meet the requirements especially for its rail products that include gear boxes, couplers, and cooling units. 

“This expansion is a strategic choice to invest in the United States, and specifically into York,” said Cornelius Weitzmann, president and CEO of Voith Turbo. “We know that we can rely on the local capabilities of our team here to best serve our rail customers in the growing U.S. market. 

“With this investment, Voith Turbo is in a fantastic position in the United States, and we want to set our sights on achieving even more significant growth together with our customers over the next few years.” 

Weitzmann, who noted that Voith Turbo employs 2,100 across its U.S. facilities, said the York expansion affirms the company’s commitment to U.S.  manufacturing. 

During the ceremony, he said the expansion will provide new business manufacturing and increase the volume of gearboxes and couplers produced.  

“We are looking at more significant growth in the years to come,” Weitzmann said to company officials, employees and state and local economic development representatives. 

The York location started in 1990 and employs 140 workers. The expansion will increase the workforce by 15%, he said. 

Michael Hanna Jr., executive deputy secretary, state Department of Community and Economic Development, said Voith Turbo’s commitment to grow in Pennsylvania is “awesome.” 

“This grows the local economy and creates jobs,” he said.  

Kevin Schreiber, president and CEO, York County Economic Alliance, agreed, saying advanced manufacturing makes up 18% of the county’s labor force, almost twice that of the state and national average.  

The Voith Group, with this investment, has invested more than $25 million in its York facilities this year. Just recently, Voith Group invested almost $20 million in Voith Hydro to meet hydropower needs.