Podcast
Move it. Store it. Assemble it. Service it. Fabricate it efficiently. Power it strategically.
York County offers a right-sized environment where companies can operate efficiently, scale over time, and access regional markets without the cost and complexity of major metro areas.
Target industries are informed by detailed site analysis, including transportation access, environmental conditions, and utility capacity within the Northwest York Industrial Park and around the county. These targets also reflect regional supply chains, available inputs, workforce strengths, and long-term infrastructure fit.
Top 5 Priority Target Industries for York County
Aligned with land, infrastructure, workforce and utility realities. YCDC prioritizes projects that align with available infrastructure, create quality jobs, and support responsible long-term growth.
Projects with significant natural gas process loads, high-strength wastewater, major odor impacts, or heavy thermal processing should be reviewed early for utility and community fit before advancing.
Agricultural and Industrial Equipment Component Manufacturing
Why?
This sector directly aligns with the County’s existing manufacturing base, workforce capabilities, and regional agriculture economy. It represents a natural expansion of industries already present and supported locally.
Site Alignment (Northwest Industrial Park):
- Industrial land availability
- Strong highway access (US 81 / US 34 corridor)
- Workforce suited for production, machining, and assembly
- Moderate utility demands
Wage Impact:
Strong, with opportunities in skilled production, supervision, and engineering.
Quick York Filter:
A company likely fits Target 1 if:
- They manufacture parts or components (not full heavy equipment plants)
- They require machining, welding, assembly, or fabrication
- They support ag, construction, or industrial equipment industries
- They do not rely on heavy process utilities (gas, water, wastewater)
- They are expanding capacity or adding a second location
Automation, Controls, Robotics, and Industrial Technology
Why?
This is a high-wage, future-focused sector that supports long-term competitiveness and workforce development, including connections to training and regional talent pipelines.
Site Alignment:
- Fits well within available utilities
- Supports smaller footprint but high-value operations
- Reinforces a technology-forward economic narrative
Wage Impact:
Very strong. High-skill technical and engineering roles.
Quick York Filter:
A company likely fits Target 2 if:
- They build or integrate automation systems
- They employ technicians, engineers, or programmers
- They don’t require heavy utilities
- They serve manufacturers, ag, or infrastructure sectors
Specialty Metal Fabrication and Industrial Assembly
Why?
York County has credibility in fabrication and industrial manufacturing. This category builds directly on existing strengths and supplier relationships.
Site Alignment:
- Flexible land for fabrication and assembly facilities
- Compatible with transportation and logistics access
- No reliance on heavy process utilities
Wage Impact:
Strong, with opportunities for welders, machinists, and operations leadership.
Quick York Filter:
A company likely fits Target 3 if:
- They fabricate metal products, structures, or assemblies
- They employ welders, machinists, or fabricators
- They focus on customer-specific or contract work
- They do not require high-heat or chemical-intensive processes
- They serve construction, infrastructure, or equipment industries
Rail-Adjacent Building Materials and Industrial Products
Why?
Rail access, when justified, creates a competitive advantage for certain industrial users. This category captures that opportunity without overextending infrastructure promises.
Site Alignment:
- Potential BNSF rail adjacency
- Highway + rail connectivity
- Outdoor storage and laydown flexibility
Wage Impact:
Moderate to strong depending on operational complexity and value-added activity.
Quick York Filter:
A company likely fits Target 4 if:
- They move bulk or heavy materials (steel, lumber, pipe, building systems, or other non-hazardous industrial materials)
- Rail access improves their cost model, not just convenience
- They combine rail + truck distribution
- They require outdoor storage, laydown yard, or staging space
- They have defined inbound/outbound freight volumes
Technical Service, OEM Support, and Industrial Operations Hubs
Why?
This category supports equipment lifecycle, regional operations, and field service activities. It complements manufacturing while creating skilled, career-path jobs.
Site Alignment:
- Strong highway connectivity for regional service
- Moderate utility requirements
- Flexible site layouts for shop + yard + office
Wage Impact:
Strong, particularly when focused on skilled technicians, diagnostics, and operations management.
Quick York Filter:
A company likely fits Target 5 if:
- They provide service, diagnostics, or repair for equipment or systems
- They employ technicians, mechanics, electricians, or field service staff
- They serve a multi-state or regional footprint
- They require shop + yard + office or training space
- They combine operations, dispatch, and technical workforce
Strategic Responsive Industry Target: Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure
York is open to evaluating data center and digital infrastructure projects on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to projects that demonstrate strong taxable investment, responsible land use, low water use, direct coordination with NPPD, higher-paying permanent jobs, and long-term community value.
Projects should be prepared to define megawatt needs, site control timing, water and cooling requirements, how the project will make efficient use of land and infrastructure before advancing.
Project Fit Matters
YCDC reviews opportunities based on workforce alignment, utility fit, transportation needs, land use, wage potential, and long-term community value. Projects with significant natural gas process loads, high-strength wastewater, major odor impacts, or heavy thermal processing should be evaluated early to determine whether they are a fit for available infrastructure.