Central PA manufacturers, your participation is crucial in helping us understand how the proposed tariffs could impact the region. By sharing your insights, you contribute to shaping services that could support your industry.
This poll will take just a few minutes, and your input will remain anonymous.
At IMC, we take pride in empowering manufacturers with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to thrive. As we reflect on 2024, we are thrilled to share the significant impact our efforts have had on manufacturers across the region.
This past year, IMC partnered with 125+ manufacturers, helping them drive measurable success and achieve outstanding business outcomes. Together, we realized:
✅ 1,427 jobs created and retained
✅ $27.5 million invested in expansion and modernization
✅ $86 million in new and retained sales
✅ $7.5 million in cost savings
These numbers tell a powerful story of growth, resilience, and innovation in Central PA’s manufacturing sector. IMC remains committed to supporting businesses as they navigate challenges, embrace new technologies, and seize opportunities for the future.
We extend our gratitude to our manufacturing partners, stakeholders, and community supporters who make this impact possible. Here’s to another year of building a stronger, more competitive manufacturing industry!
Are you ready to elevate your manufacturing business? Contact IMC today to see how we can help you achieve similar results!
IMC is excited to announce the evolution of our Lean Manufacturing Level One Certification into the Lean Manufacturing Practitioner Certification. This enhanced program is designed to provide participants with practical, hands-on experience in implementing Lean principles to drive significant improvements in manufacturing processes.
Key Features of the Updated Certification:
Upcoming Session Details:
By completing the Lean Manufacturing Practitioner Certification, you will acquire the skills to identify and eliminate wasteful practices, leading to reduced expenses and improved profitability for your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your expertise and contribute to your company’s success.
For more information and to register, please visit our event page: Lean Manufacturing Practitioner Certification – Innovative Manufacturers Center
Join us in embracing this updated certification to drive operational excellence and achieve sustainable growth.
For specific questions about the program content, contact IMC Business Advisor Rick Terry at rickt@imcpa.com. If you need support with registration, contact Lauri Moon at laurim@imcpa.com.
IMC is excited to announce our continued partnership with Core Business Solutions to deliver CMMC webinars to Central PA manufacturers.
The long-awaited CMMC 2.0 is officially here, and key milestones are just around the corner. Here’s what you need to know:
These changes mean self-attestation is no longer enough. Visit the IMC Events page to register for each of the CMMC webinars and be sure to mention IMC when asked which MEP you are associated with!
The Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC), a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in Central Pennsylvania, has been awarded a grant through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Smart Manufacturing Assistance and Training Program (SMART). This funding will enable IMC to assist manufacturers in the region with adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity and remain competitive.
Driving Innovation with SMART Manufacturing
The SMART-PA program is designed to help SMMs invest in SMART manufacturing technologies to address critical challenges, such as:
By leveraging SMART-PA resources, manufacturers can improve operational efficiency, attract skilled talent, and reduce costs, ensuring long-term competitiveness in the market.
Program Benefits for Central PA Manufacturers
Through the SMART-PA program, IMC will provide manufacturers with:
IMC is committed to empowering manufacturers in Central Pennsylvania with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Connect with IMC at info@imcpa.com, 570-329-3200 for support and resources.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of human resources, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force. HR practitioners must be aware of how AI can enhance HR practices to stay competitive, improve efficiency, and create a more engaged and satisfied workforce. This 4-session program explores the significance of AI in HR. AI can increase efficiency and productivity of HR operations to improve candidate experience and provide data-driven insights into decision-making and personalize employee development.
You are welcome to register for each webinar individually but register for all four for only $309!
IMC is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. For attending this webinar series, SHRM members are eligible to receive 1.5 PDCs.
William J. Rothwell, PhD. is President of Rothwell & Associates, Inc., Rothwell & Associates, LLC, and Rothwell & Associates Korea. He has worked full-time in human resources, training, and organizational development in both government and in a multinational company. He has been a consultant for over 50 multinational companies. He has served many manufacturing clients in both the U.S. and abroad. Some of his clients include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Siemens, Sony, Phillips, Erickson, and HP. Dr. Rothwell is a prolific author and has published more than 130 books and authored numerous training packages, guides, technical reports, and scholarly articles. He is a Distinguished Professor in the Workforce Education and Development program in the College of Education at The Pennsylvania State University. He holds top-level certifications and credentials with National SHRM and ATD.
This program is WEDnetPA eligible.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for this incredible event celebrating the vibrant manufacturing community of Central Pennsylvania. Your presence made the event truly memorable, and it was inspiring to see so many professionals, community leaders, and innovators come together in support of local industry.
The event was held at the historic Axemann Brewery, a former metal factory now repurposed as a unique and fitting space to celebrate our region’s resilience and rich industrial heritage. Thank you to those who arrived early to take part in the exclusive tours of the manufacturing space—your enthusiasm added to the event’s energy and sense of community.
This gathering was a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire. We hope you enjoyed the networking opportunities, discovering valuable resources offered by regional economic development partners, and engaging in important discussions about of manufacturing in our region.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more innovative community. We’re excited for what lies ahead and look forward to supporting your continued growth and success.
Thank you again for being part of this special day and for all that you contribute to Central Pennsylvania’s manufacturing landscape.
IMC, in partnership with The Manufacturers’ Association, is bringing No-Cost Electrical Safety Training for General Industry to Central PA.
Training Topics Include:
This NO COST training is available to workers and employers covered under the OSH Act of 1970, SEC. 4, codified at 29 U.S.C. 653 (Appendix B). This also includes multiple small businesses and temporarily unemployed workers who are planning to reenter the workforce in a position covered by the OSHA Act within the next three months. Unemployed and high school and college students within three months of employment are also eligible for this training.
The trainer is a CHCM, DSM, CHST, OSHA Consultation Program Consultant and has been the trainer for over 100 OSHA 10- & 30-Hour training programs.
To schedule Electrical Safety Training at YOUR location, please contact Lauri Moon at (570) 329-3200 or by email at laurim@imcpa.com.
With a unanimous vote, the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Marcus M. Annicelli as Chairman of 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.
Marc is an experienced business leader who has managed manufacturing operations in electronics, fabrication, automotive, architectural products and print and mailing. His experience includes “lean and agile” operations, automation and people development. Additionally, Marc has been a business owner throughout his career. He has been a partner of the IMC, its leadership, business advisors and the board for many years.
He said of his new appointment, “I am very excited to have this leadership role and to continue working with and learning from the IMC Board, its President, Dennis Gilbert, and other business leaders.” Marc went on to say, “The opportunity to put my fingerprint on the organization that has supported me and so many businesses over the years feels very rewarding.”
Also appointed to one-year terms were Ben Eltz as Vice Chairperson and Donita Rudy, returning as Secretary/Treasurer. Ben currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of DiamondBack Automotive Accessories, Inc. located in Philipsburg, PA and Donita is a Certified Turnaround Professional located in State College, PA.
NuVisions Center, located in Lewistown, PA, exists to improve the lives of persons with vision, physical or mental impairments through services and employment; and to also educate the public about vision loss. They serve the Pennsylvania counties of Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin. NuVisions employs persons with disabilities who perform manufacturing, sewing, janitorial, and customer service-related jobs. They currently employ 44 individuals spread among the various areas.
NuVisions Center approached IMC to discuss their desire to comply with the DFARS 252.204-7012, FAR 52.204-21, and the anticipated CMMC level cybersecurity requirements for government contracting. The need for compliance originated because of a requirement from one of their customers. To maintain an existing employment contract, NuVisions had to achieve the appropriate CMMC level of compliance. Higher levels of compliance are continuing to be assessed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and are a moving target for businesses in need of proving compliance. There are currently three levels being evaluated and considered by the DoD. Level 1 is the most basic, Level 2 is more advanced and results in a SPRS score (NIST 800-171 SPRS Score), and the highest level of compliance is currently rated as CMMC Level 3. Those requirements can be daunting to a small company with limited resources. NuVisions Center did not have in-house IT support and were very concerned about the time investment and how to address such a change in procedures.
IMC worked with NuVisions Center to provide them with professional assistance and guidance through self-assessment and used the CISA CSET tool to generate necessary reports. The CSET tool reports became the foundation for the project deliverables. The plan included a system security plan, action items, and milestones for incremental completion. A Gap Analysis was created, identifying deficiencies and any CMMC controls which weren’t fully met. The project findings were then presented as an Executive Summary showing which requirements were met and any which needed further attention. Throughout the project, NuVisions and their IT contractor provided documentation and answered all questions relative to the content of the requirement.
NuVisions successfully completed the required CMMC requirements. In doing so, they were able to save an employment contract, which resulted in the retention of three jobs for their workforce. Three jobs equate to over 6% of their workforce. That result is very important to the mission of NuVisions Center, and extremely important to the people whose lives are so positively impacted by having a job. The assistance provided by IMC guided NuVisions Center through a process which seemed quite overwhelming and difficult, saving precious time for the leaders of the organization. The project also led NuVisions Center to upgrade some of their IT equipment, which improved operations and further protects their investment from cybersecurity threats.
“We are a small organization and do not have IT staff. Before we found IMC, the task to implement CMMC seemed almost insurmountable. With their help, the process was no longer overwhelming, and we were able to easily manage the implementation of the CMMC requirements.” Terry Knouse, Vice President of Operations, NuVisions Center