Shumaker Industries, located in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, is a leading manufacturer of concrete mixer drums, replacement parts, and Load and Go (LnG) washing systems. Known for quality and innovation, the company continues to invest in its operations to support growing customer demand and long-term business growth.

Challenge: Capacity Limitations and Inefficient Flow

As production demand increased, Shumaker identified opportunities to improve facility utilization, streamline material flow, and prepare for the planned replacement of its blast and paint booth systems. The existing layout limited efficiency, required significant material movement, and created constraints on future expansion.

At the time of the assessment, production averaged 8–10 drums per week, with materials traveling approximately 2,000 feet throughout the manufacturing process. These conditions increased cycle times, labor requirements, and operational complexity.

Solution: IMC Partnership and Facility Layout Redesign

Shumaker partnered with IMC to evaluate operations and develop a future-state facility layout. Through onsite assessments, process analysis, and collaborative design sessions, the team created a plant layout and implementation roadmap focused on increasing capacity, improving flow, and supporting future growth. The plan included facility expansion, dedicated blast and paint booths operating in parallel, additional crane capacity, improved work cell organization, and enhanced space for both drum manufacturing and the LnG product line.

Results and Business Impact

The recommended improvements are expected to deliver significant operational benefits, including:

• Doubling production capacity from 8–10 drums to 16–20 drums per week.
• Improving throughput and lowering labor costs by cutting material travel distances in half.
• Shortening cycle times through parallel blast and paint operations and improved workflow.
• Improving workplace safety by reducing overhead crane travel and eliminating multi-level material handling.
• Creating additional capacity and growth opportunities within the LnG product line.
• Improving customer responsiveness through reduced lead times and greater production flexibility.

Testimonial

“The IMC team provided valuable insight throughout the assessment process and helped us develop a clear roadmap for future growth. Their expertise enabled us to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, increase capacity, and make informed decisions about our facility investments. It was particularly helpful to soundboard with experienced manufacturing professionals from outside of our organization to help identify blind spots and highlight opportunities for improvement that we might otherwise have overlooked.”

Mike Sellers, General Manager, Shumaker Industries, Inc.

IMC is excited to announce the appointment of Ken Healy, Executive Vice President & Director of Engineering at PMF Industries, Inc. located in Williamsport, PA and Tammy Bubb, Corporate Controller at Remmey – The Pallet Company located in Beaver Springs, PA to its Board of Directors. The IMC is a public-private partnership that is dedicated to driving economic success and business growth for manufacturers in its 12-county region. IMC provides expert advice and solutions to small and medium-sized manufacturers through consultative services and training opportunities.

Ken Healy brings extensive manufacturing expertise to the board, with a career defined by leadership in precision metal forming and advanced production processes. As Executive Vice President and Director of Engineering at PMF Industries, he has guided complex manufacturing initiatives across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, specializing in technologies such as flowforming, hydroforming, and deep drawing. Known for bridging technical engineering requirements with practical, value-driven solutions, he has led end-to-end process development efforts, supported early-stage R&D and manufacturability planning, and helped deliver high-quality, technically demanding components. His background also includes published research and innovation in advanced manufacturing methods, as well as certification as a Certified Manufacturing Technologist, underscoring his deep technical knowledge and commitment to operational excellence.

Tammy Bubb, M.S.A., M.B.A., serves as Corporate Controller for Remmey – The Pallet Company, where she provides strategic financial leadership in support of manufacturing operations. She oversees financial reporting, budgeting, cost analysis, cash flow management, tax compliance, payroll, and internal controls while partnering with operations to improve efficiency, strengthen business processes, and support informed decision-making. Tammy holds both a Master of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. Throughout her career, she has combined her advanced education with practical manufacturing experience to help organizations improve financial performance, implement operational improvements, and navigate complex business challenges. Passionate about the manufacturing industry, Tammy believes strong financial stewardship, continuous improvement, and employee development are essential to long-term success. Her leadership extends beyond traditional accounting responsibilities, with experience in ERP implementation, process improvement, human resources, compliance, and organizational development. She is dedicated to advancing manufacturing through collaboration, education, and sound business practices.

“We are pleased to welcome Ken Healy and Tammy Bubb to the IMC Board of Directors. Both bring deep and complementary experience in manufacturing operations, engineering, and financial leadership that will strengthen our ability to serve the region’s manufacturers. We look forward to their insights as we continue advancing innovation and competitiveness across Central Pennsylvania.” Dennis Gilbert, President, Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC), Inc.

In other business, the IMC Board of Directors reappointed Marcus Annicelli, Site Operations Manager at Construction Specialties, Inc. in Muncy as Board Chair and Ben Eltz, Chief Executive Officer at DiamondBack Covers in Philipsburg as Vice Chair.

IMC Announces Fall Training Calendar for Central Pennsylvania Manufacturers

IMC has officially released its upcoming fall training calendar, offering a broad range of professional development opportunities designed to help Central Pennsylvania manufacturers strengthen their workforce, improve operations, and stay competitive.

Manufacturers across the region are encouraged to explore the full list of events at
👉 IMC Events Calendar

Training Opportunities for Every Role in Manufacturing

These opportunities reflect the diverse needs of today’s manufacturing environment, with programs tailored to employees at every level – from frontline operators to supervisors and executives – to individuals on and off the plant floor. IMC’s trainings support key functional areas including leadership, operations, safety, quality, compliance, human resources, and business growth.

Participants can choose from sessions such as:

• Leadership & Workforce Development
  Programs like How to Give Effective Performance Reviews help supervisors strengthen communication, develop their teams, and drive productivity on the plant floor.
• Safety & Compliance
  Courses such as Create a Winning Safety Culture and OSHA-focused training reinforce best practices, helping organizations move beyond compliance toward a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
  Lean training introduces proven tools to eliminate waste, streamline processes, and improve efficiency—key drivers of profitability and long-term growth.
• Technology, AI & Cybersecurity
  With sessions on AI applications in marketing and cybersecurity frameworks like CMMC, IMC is equipping manufacturers to adapt to evolving digital demands.
• Business Growth & Strategy
  Workshops focused on marketing, sales, human resources, and operational strategy help companies position themselves for sustainable success in a rapidly changing marketplace.

This variety reflects IMC’s mission to provide practical, real-world training that delivers measurable results across all aspects of manufacturing operations.

Supporting Central PA’s Manufacturing Community

IMC has been serving manufacturers in Central Pennsylvania since 1988, offering hands-on training and resources that drive innovation, productivity, and growth. As part of the Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network and U.S. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, IMC connects companies with proven strategies and expertise to remain competitive in today’s economy.

The fall training calendar continues that commitment—bringing relevant, timely topics to the region’s manufacturers while addressing workforce development challenges and emerging industry trends.

Register Early—Seats Fill Quickly

Many of IMC’s training sessions are offered in small-group formats to maximize interaction and learning outcomes. As a result, space is often limited and sessions can fill quickly.

Manufacturers are encouraged to review the full training schedule and register early to secure their seats.

👉 View and register for events: IMC Events Calendar

In today’s world of manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just the future—It’s a current tool being used to design products, optimize supply chains, predict maintenance needs, and even generate new ideas. But as AI becomes more integrated into manufacturing, one question becomes critical: Who owns the ideas created by AI?

AI as a “Co-Inventor

Manufacturers using AI to assist in new product design or R&D may wonder whether the results generated can be protected with patents, copyrights, or trade secrets. And to make the issue even murkier: Intellectual property laws weren’t built for machines that “think.”

What this means: 

• Patents typically require a human inventor.
• Copyrights require a human author.
• And trade secrets require measures to keep something confidential.

But what happens when AI develops something “new” without direct human involvement? Who owns the design? If your AI system generates an innovative design, can you patent it? If AI writes a process manual or creates a visual model, can you copyright it?

Currently, in most jurisdictions, IP rights apply only to human creators. AI itself cannot own property rights or hold legal rights—at least not yet.

Practical Implications for Manufacturers

Manufacturers can take practical steps to manage risk and capture value:

• Clarify roles: When using AI tools from vendors or cloud platforms, check who owns the results—some terms of service may give ownership to the provider.
• Human oversight: Ensure there’s a human in the loop who can be clearly identified as the contributor or author, especially for patentable ideas.
• Data Protection: Since AI relies heavily on training data, be cautious about feeding in sensitive or proprietary information that could become part of a shared model.
• Auditability: Keep clear records of how AI systems are used in the innovation process to support any future IP claims.

Looking Ahead

This area is evolving fast. Courts and lawmakers do not have a definitive answer on whether AI-generated work is protected under traditional IP laws. For now, manufacturers should see AI as a powerful tool, but it should be carefully managed when it comes to IP rights.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about intellectual property or the use of AI in your business, consult a qualified attorney.

On December 11, 2025, the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC) along with approximately 100 industry manufacturing professionals, attended the CESMII Smart Manufacturing Roadshow hosted by the Digital Foundry in New Kensington, PA, an event highlighting the power of Smart Manufacturing for small to large manufacturers across Pennsylvania.

Participants explored the latest technologies, heard real-world success stories, and learned how Smart Manufacturing drives efficiency, growth, and competitiveness. Industry leaders including JV Manufacturing, MSA Safety, Pulva Corporation, Zoll Medical Device Company, and Pittsburgh’s iconic Mancini Bakery shared how assessing needs and applying Smart Manufacturing technologies helped them meet, and often exceed, their operational goals.

Experts from the Collaborative Ecosystems Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) and other industry related representatives also outlined opportunities for manufacturers to assess their readiness and develop a customized Smart Manufacturing Roadmap with support from organizations like the IMC, Digital Foundry, and other CESMII-certified professionals.

IMC is proud to be home to one of only six Certified Smart Manufacturing Roadmap Professionals in Pennsylvania. Contact IMC Business Advisor, Rick Terry, to learn how Smart Manufacturing can benefit your operation or to schedule a consultation.

Celebrating Manufacturing: October Is Manufacturing Month & Friday Is National Manufacturing Day

Every October, manufacturers across the U.S. are spotlighted for their vital role in innovation, jobs, and regional growth. While National Manufacturing Day (this Friday) offers a special moment to rally attention to the sector, Manufacturing Month provides the entire span of October to highlight achievements, challenges, and opportunities across manufacturing.

At the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), this observance resonates deeply. We partner with manufacturers in Central Pennsylvania to drive innovation, operational excellence, growth, and resiliency. As we mark this annual celebration, we want to reflect on why it matters — and how IMC helps regional manufacturers gain the competitive edge year-round.

Why Manufacturing Month / Day Matters

• Raise awareness: Many don’t realize how central manufacturing is to local and national economies — to supply chains, innovation, skill development, and exports. October gives us a focused moment to tell that story.
• Inspire future talent: Highlighting manufacturing helps attract students, career-changers, and underrepresented groups toward high-skill roles in advanced manufacturing.
• Encourage continuous improvement: The cadence of awareness spurs companies to review processes, adopt new technologies, and revisit training investments.
• Strengthen collaboration: It offers a chance for regional partners (economic development, education, workforce, government) to align better with manufacturers’ needs.

As a public-private partnership, IMC is deeply committed to ensuring Central Pennsylvania manufacturers don’t just survive — they thrive.

IMC’s Role in Supporting Manufacturers During & Beyond October

1. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

One of IMC’s core pillars is helping manufacturers optimize process flows, reduce waste, and unlock productivity gains. Our offerings include, but are not limited to:

• Lean Manufacturing Level One Practitioner Certification
• Transformation and deployment of Lean Systems
• Problem Solving with Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Supply Chain Optimization

These tools help manufacturers move from reactive firefighting to strategic, sustainable performance improvement — a perfect theme for Manufacturing Month.

2. Innovation & Technology Enablement

Staying ahead in 21st-century manufacturing means embracing new tools and approaches. IMC provides:

• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
• Digital transformation / SMART-PA Programs
• Clean Energy Manufacturing Consulting
• Technology Scouting and Innovation Systems

These help local manufacturers explore smarter production, energy efficiency, and R&D-driven differentiation.

3. Business Growth, Sales & Marketing

Producing excellent goods is only half the battle — finding customers, scaling, and sustaining margins is equally critical. IMC assists with:

• Sales development and marketing strategy
• Brand development
• Business continuity planning
• Export / international trade & compliance support

By integrating growth strategies with operations, we help manufacturers translate capability into revenue and resilience.

4. People & Leadership Development

Advanced processes and technologies require not just investment — but skilled people. IMC offers training in:

• HR best practices tailored to manufacturing
• Supervisor & leadership development
• Change management and culture building (e.g., “Winning Teams” approach)
• Safety, environmental compliance, and certification readiness

Manufacturing Month shines a light on training — a chance for organizations to close skill gaps and empower their teams.

Ideas for Manufacturers to Leverage the Month

Here are a few ideas your operations or leadership teams could consider during October:

• Host a shop floor open house or virtual factory tour to show local schools, civic groups, or partners what modern manufacturing looks like.
• Run a “continuous improvement blitz” for a small but visible process (e.g., reduce setup time, streamline changeovers).
• Offer a mini training or lunch-and-learn (e.g. basic root cause analysis, 5S) to raise internal awareness of operational excellence.
• Conduct a technology audit or pilot — identify one small digital or automation upgrade you can trial before year’s end.
• Use the month as a talent recruitment window — promote manufacturing careers, internships, apprenticeships, or job shadow days.

If you’d like help designing or executing any of these ideas, IMC is ready to assist!

What’s Coming Up at IMC This October

Here’s a snapshot of select upcoming training events you might find beneficial:

• Manufacturing Your Way to a Pennsylvania Tax Credit Webinar — October 8
• Problem Solving with Root Cause Analysis (Williamsport) — October 9
• Problem Solving with Root Cause Analysis (Altoona) — October 16
• Strategic Succession Planning for Supervisors — October 22
• IMC & Tasseron Sensors PM Exchange — October 23
• OSHA 10-Hour Training — October 29

These are just a few of the offerings scheduled throughout the month. Click here to visit the full schedule of IMC’s upcoming training and events.

A Call to Action

As we observe National Manufacturing Day and celebrate Manufacturing Month, we encourage you — whether as a manufacturing leader, employee, or community stakeholder — to reflect on how we can push the boundaries of what “manufacturing” means today.

Ask yourself:

• What process or system could we challenge or improve?
• Which new technology or automation could we pilot?
• What training does our workforce need to stay competitive?
• How can we better tell our manufacturing story to partners, young talent, or local communities?

If you’d like to meet with IMC to ideate, plan, or initiate any initiatives tied to Manufacturing Month (or beyond), we’re here as your partner. Let’s use this October momentum to build stronger, more innovative, and more resilient manufacturing in Central Pennsylvania. Contact IMC today by emailing info@imcpa.com or calling 800-326-9467.

The Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC) is proud to announce that Frederick (Rick) Terry, Business Advisor, has successfully earned the CESMII Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Professional Certification from Rensselaer at Work, a division of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The CESMII developed certification recognizes professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and practical skills in designing and implementing customizable strategies that accelerate digital transformation within manufacturing operations. Through the program, participants learn to align emerging technologies with business objectives, streamline production processes, and drive innovation across manufacturing systems.

“Rick’s achievement reflects not only a personal commitment to professional growth, but also IMC’s dedication to advancing modern manufacturing practices,” said Dennis Gilbert, President at IMC. “This expertise will further strengthen IMC’s ability to deliver smarter, more efficient, and more resilient solutions for our partners and clients.”

Rensselaer at Work is recognized for its focus on equipping professionals with future-ready skills in engineering, science, and technology management. The Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Certification is designed for leaders who are driving transformation in an increasingly data-driven and competitive industry.

Terry will apply this certification to enhance IMC’s initiatives in process optimization, data integration, automation strategies, and digital innovation, helping position the organization and our manufacturing clients at the forefront of smart manufacturing.

Contact Rick Terry at rickt@imcpa.com or (570) 329-3200 and discover how this certification can help your company accelerate your digital transformation!

In Centre Hall, PA, Hanover Foods—a 100-year-old, family-owned food manufacturer—understands that sustaining excellence isn’t just about what’s grown in the field or produced on the line. It’s also about growing people. With a wide portfolio that spans frozen vegetables, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, Hanover Foods is committed to continuous improvement in every corner of its operations.

During an initial outreach meeting, IMC engaged Hanover in a deeper conversation about one key area of opportunity: strengthening frontline supervisory skills. Like many manufacturers, Hanover recognized that while its supervisors excelled in technical knowledge, many lacked the leadership and communication tools needed to manage today’s dynamic plant environments.

Plant-Floor Leadership: Tools Beyond the Toolbox

Hanover’s leadership team knew that just as a technician uses the right wrench for a specific repair, supervisors need the right “soft skill” tools to effectively lead, resolve conflict, and maintain morale. In response, IMC proposed a customized “Pathways to Team Success” development program, designed specifically for Hanover’s frontline supervisors.

The multi-session training series focused on practical, immediately applicable skills—leadership fundamentals, clear and empathetic communication, problem-solving, time management, and change management. A strong emphasis was placed on building trust, managing conflict, and coaching – all critical capabilities during Hanover’s intense seasonal production cycles.

To maximize impact, training was held during the off-season, giving participants time to reflect, prepare, and build confidence before peak harvest operations resumed. Each session was designed with real-world plant scenarios in mind, enabling supervisors to return to the floor with both insight and actionable strategies.

Measurable Impact, Human Results

The results were clear. Supervisors reported feeling more confident and equipped to manage daily operations and team dynamics. Participants showed notable improvements in communication, time management, and decision-making. More importantly, the program fostered a stronger, more supportive workplace culture – critical for both employee retention and production performance.

Hanover Foods now has a cohort of emerging leaders ready to help drive productivity while creating a work environment rooted in respect, collaboration, and accountability. The investment wasn’t just in people – it was in long-term performance and organizational health.

Advancing Pennsylvania’s Strategic Vision

This initiative aligns directly with Pennsylvania’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy, launched by Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration. The strategy prioritizes workforce development, manufacturing resilience, and creating competitive, future-ready businesses.

By equipping supervisors with leadership tools, Hanover Foods is contributing to the strategy’s vision of strengthening the manufacturing sector, building a modern workforce, and enhancing talent retention in a rural food manufacturing and agricultural business. The program also supports the state’s broader goals of encouraging people-first practices and sustainable growth within legacy industries.

In the heart of Northumberland County, Function of Beauty—a fast-growing manufacturer of personalized luxury haircare—has built its brand around customization, innovation, and direct-to-consumer excellence. With its corporate headquarters in New York City, the company chose Paxinos, Pennsylvania, as the home for its manufacturing facility, where approximately 75 employees craft a growing line of hair, body, and skincare products. Since its founding in 2015, the veteran-founded business has experienced remarkable expansion, including major retail partnerships with Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon.

That growth brought new challenges. As production demands increased and new product lines emerged, Function of Beauty recognized the need to improve operational efficiency through automation and leaner processes. Leadership identified a gap in team-wide understanding of Lean manufacturing principles—a critical skillset for eliminating waste and scaling up sustainably. The plant manager turned to the IMC to help launch their Lean journey.

IMC began by delivering a hands-on, full day “Introduction to Lean with Simulation” course, designed to give the team a practical, foundational understanding of Lean thinking. Through simulation and real-world examples, the training covered core concepts like waste elimination, value stream mapping, standard work, and visual management. The team quickly began identifying inefficiencies in their own processes, laying the groundwork for meaningful improvements across the plant.

Encouraged by the success of this initial training, Function of Beauty has committed to deeper development. The team will next complete IMC’s 7-module Lean Manufacturing Level One Practitioner Certification, demonstrating a clear and ongoing investment in process optimization and workforce capability.

Advancing Pennsylvania’s Strategic Vision

Function of Beauty’s Lean initiative reflects the goals of Pennsylvania’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy, unveiled by Governor Shapiro. The strategy emphasizes strengthening the manufacturing sector, modernizing workplace practices, and building a resilient, future-ready workforce. By upskilling their employees and streamlining production, Function of Beauty is aligning directly with these priorities, positioning itself as a competitive, high-performing manufacturer rooted in Pennsylvania.

Moreover, the company’s focus on continuous improvement and waste reduction supports the strategy’s goals of enhancing operational agility, improving productivity, and ensuring long-term sustainability for manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth. With IMC’s guidance, Function of Beauty is proving that growth and efficiency can go hand-in-hand—and that innovation in manufacturing starts with investing in people.

In early 2025, Andritz Feed and Biofuel—a Muncy, PA-based manufacturing site of the global Andritz Group—took a significant step toward strengthening its commitment to employee health and safety. With more than 80 employees producing bulk material handling equipment, the site has long maintained ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management. However, the company set a new corporate goal: achieving ISO 45001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management by the end of the year.

ISO 45001 is an internationally recognized standard that helps organizations proactively improve their occupational health and safety performance. It provides a framework to reduce workplace risks, enhance employee well-being, and foster a culture of continuous safety improvement. For companies like Andritz, ISO 45001 certification is more than a milestone—it’s a strategic investment in workforce safety, operational efficiency, and global credibility.

Zachary Robb, the site’s Inventory and Methods Manager, recognized that while some progress had been made, the path to full compliance with ISO 45001 remained unclear. Robb had already implemented certain procedures but needed guidance to understand the remaining requirements and how best to align the facility’s operations with the standard.

That’s where IMC stepped in.

Partnering closely with the Andritz team, IMC conducted a comprehensive discovery process. This included a thorough review of documentation and records, interviews with key members of Andritz leadership, and onsite evaluations of day-to-day operations. The focus was on identifying the current level of compliance with ISO 45001 and assessing the existing Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

The result was a detailed and actionable Gap Analysis report that categorized Andritz’s compliance into three areas: fully compliant, partially compliant, and non-compliant. Just as important, the report offered tailored recommendations to close the gaps and build a clear roadmap toward certification.

Thanks to this collaboration, Andritz now has the direction and confidence needed to continue its journey toward ISO 45001 certification. With insights from IMC’s analysis in hand, the team is well-positioned to meet its corporate safety goals by the end of 2025—demonstrating a deep commitment to a safe, healthy, and sustainable workplace.

Supporting the Commonwealth’s Economic Vision

The partnership between IMC and Andritz Feed & Biofuel reflects how statewide economic strategy can be realized through focused, local action. By helping Andritz—a long-standing, 80-employee manufacturer in Muncy—pursue ISO 45001 certification, the project strengthens Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector through higher safety standards and global-quality alignment. This investment supports not only compliance but also operational excellence, workforce resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

ISO 45001 certification is about more than safety; it’s a strategic move that positions companies like Andritz to thrive in a modern economy. It enhances employee well-being, fosters a culture of accountability, and equips businesses with the tools to adapt and grow. This directly supports the Commonwealth’s goals to build a safer, more agile business climate, modernize the workforce, and ensure manufacturers are ready to compete in a global marketplace—key pillars of Pennsylvania’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy.