State Senators Mario Scavello (R-40) and Lisa Boscola (D-18) Thursday wrote to Gov. Tom Wolf requesting a business waiver to permit Martin Guitar of Nazareth, Northampton County, to resume operations if the statewide order keeping manufacturing closed remains in place.

“On behalf of Martin Guitar, we respectfully request that you issue an Executive Order to permit manufacturing operations to resume in Pennsylvania,” the letter states. “If this is not viable, we request that you issue an individual business waiver to the Governor’s Business Closure Order for Martin Guitar.”

“Martin Guitar’s competitors in California, Arizona and Maryland are now open for manufacturing, which is placing Martin Guitar at a serious disadvantage,” the senators wrote.

The senators noted that Martin Guitar has developed a comprehensive reopening plan to ensure the safety of its employees. The plan complies with all Centers for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements regarding temperature and health checks, social distancing, mask requirements, hourly hand washing, and more.

“This world renowned company was started by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin Sr. in 1833 and has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. Martin guitars are famous for their unrivaled quality and craftsmanship, and is a source of pride for our region and commonwealth,” Scavello said. “While I’m working to open all manufacturing statewide, I make this special request on behalf of a company with a 187-year commitment to Pennsylvania.”

“We need to work with Pennsylvania employers to create responsible plans to open in light of COVID-19. This is especially important when other states are opening up more readily and putting Pennsylvania businesses at a competitive disadvantage,” Boscola said.

The list of entertainers who have owned and played Martin guitars includes Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and many others.