Reading, PA — August 1, 2025 — This week, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Sec. Rick Siger joined state Sen. Judy Schwank for a tour and meeting with leaders at East Penn Manufacturing in Lyons Station, Berks County.
Siger and Schwank toured one of the company’s plants at the world’s largest single-site lead battery manufacturing facility, which spans 520 acres. The visit provided an opportunity for East Penn’s leadership team to highlight the company’s operations and share its vision for future growth.
Founded in 1946 by DeLight Breidegam Jr. and his father, DeLight Breidegam Sr., East Penn has grown into one of Berks County’s most important economic engines. The company is the second-largest lead battery producer in North America, manufacturing about 40 million batteries annually. It employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, including over 7,400 in Pennsylvania, making it the largest employer in Berks County and the 29th largest in the Commonwealth.
Following the tour, Schwank emphasized East Penn’s impact on the local economy and the broader manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania.
“When I first met DeLight Breidegam Jr. 25 years ago, he gave me a piece of advice that I still cherish: ‘Water the plants in your own garden,’” said Schwank. “I’ve carried that mindset with me in my work with the business community here in Berks County. At the state level, we’ve developed tools to help businesses grow and make Pennsylvania more competitive, and Sec. Siger has been at the forefront of that effort on behalf of the Shapiro Administration. He’s been a great partner, and I wanted him to see firsthand the scale of what East Penn has to offer and that this is a company committed to doing things the right way.”
“East Penn is a central piece of Pennsylvania’s rich manufacturing heritage, having called Berks County home for nearly 80 years,” said Siger. “I was thrilled to have a chance to see first-hand the manufacturing innovation carried out by the dedicated men and women working there. As Berks County’s largest employer, East Penn plays a critical role in the vitality of the region and serves as a reminder that Pennsylvania is an amazing place to build a business that can thrive for generations. The Shapiro Administration understands that supporting our long-standing businesses is just as critical as bringing in new opportunities and we will continue to make investments that support all the companies that call our Commonwealth home.”
“It was a pleasure to welcome Sen. Schwank and Sec. Siger to our facility,” said Chris Pruitt, President and CEO of East Penn. “We appreciated Sec. Siger taking the time to tour our site and learn more about East Penn. We’re proud to be part of Pennsylvania’s strong manufacturing tradition and remain deeply committed to supporting our local communities and the state’s economic growth. With an outstanding workforce and a spirit of collaboration, Pennsylvania continues to be a vital part of our success, and we’re grateful for leaders who share our vision for a stronger future.”
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