The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to welcome Tricia Carl to its team of Central PA resources as an IMC Business Solutions Specialist. As an IMC Business Solutions Specialist, Tricia will work closely with the IMC’s Business Advisor team in developing trusted advisor relationships with Central PA manufacturers and aid in providing manufacturers with a wide range of high-value services that directly support their success. In this role, Tricia will actively contribute to developing and implementing direct delivery of services, including business strategy, business growth, process improvement, systematic innovation, and other solutions.

“The IMC team is excited to have Tricia join us to better serve the manufacturers in our region. Tricia’s expertise spans various business disciplines, which make her a perfect match to help our clients advance their manufacturing operations.” Dennis Gilbert, IMC President.

Tricia comes to the IMC with several years of management and operational experience in manufacturing businesses in Central PA. Her career roles have included Operations Manager and Production Supervisor. Her areas of expertise include management, operations, inventory control, training, quality assurance, and process improvement.

“I am excited to be a part of the IMC team. In my previous manufacturing roles, IMC was a valuable resource for professional development, both personally and companywide. I look forward to building strong relationships with the manufacturers in Central PA, to learn from them, and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed.”  Tricia Carl, IMC Business Solutions Specialist.

Tricia is a certified Lean Manufacturing Practitioner with a B.A. in Political Science from Dickinson College and a J.D. from Widener University School of Law.

Connect with Tricia on LinkedIn.

IMC, in partnership with The Manufacturers’ Association, is extending the No-Cost Electrical Safety Training for General Industry to December 31st.

This opportunity is available through a grant provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Companies are able to host training sessions onsite with a minimum of 10 participants.

Training Topics Include:

• General Electrical Safety Information
• General Electrical Safe Work Practices
• Common Hazards
• Permitted and Non-permitted uses
• Arc Flash
• Energy Control Procedures (ECPs) & Lockout/Tag-out (LOTO)

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.

The trainer is a CHCM, DSM, CHST, OSHA Consultation Program Consultant.  He 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.

This four-hour program honors the late Susan Harwood, former director of OSHA’s Office of Risk Assessment, who died in 1996. During her 17-year OSHA career, she helped develop federal standards to protect workers exposed to bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos and lead in construction.

The training material was produced under grant number SH-39128-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

IMC Facilitates a Value Stream Map for QCast Production Process Improvement

Located in New Berlin PA, (approximately 30 miles south of Williamsport, PA) QCast Aluminum Co. is a family owned, high–quality manufacturer of aluminum sand castings for commercial industries. QCast manufactures all their products in the USA and can produce excellent finishes and sizes of parts, including prototypes and small to large production runs from 1 oz. to 300 lbs. They work with customers to develop a mutually beneficial long-term relationship and have a strong commitment focused on service, quality, deliverability and affordability. They have grown to become one of the highest quality sandcasting companies at the most competitive price.

Situation:

Working with our strategic partner PennTAP, who sponsored an E3 project (Economy, Energy & Environment), the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC) was engaged to facilitate a Value Stream Map (VSM) to determine why QCast’s production was unable to meet desired delivery times for their customers. The scope of the value stream map began with the core preparation area of production and ended at the finishing area. The VSM continued to track the various operations that included saw, belt sand, blast, drilling and inspection in the finish area.

The Work In Process (WIP) materials for the finishing area were stored in scattered locations causing some delays in finding them for finishing. In addition, the molding process continued to run at a faster pace than finishing could respond, creating a bottleneck in production flow.  An accurate inventory was taken of the WIP at the finishing stage, and it was learned that 3x the original estimate of pieces was there. The mindset within the facility is one that is grounded upon ‘keep the molders running’, which caused overproduction and a choke point in finishing customer orders.

Adding to production flow delays, finishing operators performed excessive amounts of searching, stretching, reaching and bending for the parts resulting in additional non-value added efficiency losses. It was evident that in addition to the overproduction of parts, their multiple locations in the finishing area took time away from actual finishing work thus contributing to not meeting the delivery times promised to their customers.

Solutions:

At the completion of the ‘Current State’ VSM the project team, facilitated by the IMC, determined the ‘Future State’, which led the company to define several objectives. QCast wanted to exceed customer expectations by utilizing an effective pull system that would generate a 7-day throughput with a 4-week lead time, 99% on time delivery and a 100% quality level by September 1, 2023. Through the input of the QCast team, the IMC generated a series of challenges for the company to tackle and record the results over the next several weeks. The first two target conditions were designing a ‘supermarket’ that would visually control the work in progress inventory levels to 3-5 days and to improve the efficiency of the belt sanding area to 85%. The QCast VSM team conducted various experiments to see how best to meet their first target conditions.

Over the next several months the improvement in excess production was moving in the right direction; however, the team was still finding difficulty in addressing the finishing department’s challenges, which were defining standard work and overcoming a shortage of labor.

Results:

Actual inventory being produced was tracked on a weekly basis, which resulted in the reduction of WIP sitting at the finishing stage by 54%. The finishing department continued to see challenges to meet the target condition until a member of the VSM team tried an experiment with the finishing of parts by running them through a tumbler; a process used in their sister company’s metal fabrication process.  The results were very promising. After continued experimentation with various aspects of the tumbling process including time, media and actual parts to be finished, the company has calculated that they could increase finishing productivity by up to 300%. Because of the IMC’s VSM facilitation, the members of the QCast team were able to implement a series of experiments and apply the continuous improvement culture that enables them to find a solution far beyond the original expectations. The company is planning on investing in the appropriate equipment during the first quarter of 2024 that will include the tumbling stage in their finishing process enabling them to reduce overall throughput and meet the delivery times their customers expect.

Testimonial:

“The Value Stream Mapping exercise conducted by the IMC enabled us to visually see the overall production process and the areas we needed to target for improvement. Without this process, QCast may not have identified the key areas needed to meet our overall objectives. We look forward to continuing to work with the IMC in the future.” Terry Arnold, General Manager, QCast Aluminum

Contact IMC:

To learn how IMC can assist your Central PA manufacturing company with process improvement, contact us at 800-326-9467 or info@imcpa.com.

Host an Open House During October to Celebrate Manufacturing Day 2023  

Join manufacturers across the United States to showcase modern manufacturing and attract your future workforce.

MFG Day, celebrated the first Friday of October, reshapes perceptions of manufacturing and fosters a robust future workforce. MFG Day is dedicated to diversifying, strengthening, and enhancing the manufacturing workforce, promoting opportunities, and driving industry growth in the United States.

While October 6th is the official MFG Day, events are held all month long so don’t let that stop you!

Watch the video overview to see what MFG Day is all about, then contact IMC.  We’d love to help promote your event.

Are you a strategically savvy achiever with a passion for business and a heart for the clients you serve? Are you a conscientious, can-do team player comfortable fielding a variety of business challenges while providing deft business guidance? We’re looking for a dedicated, driven self-starter to join our growing team and make us even stronger.

From providing real-world strategic guidance on technical or other business services/advising Small and Medium-sized Manufacturing Entities (SME) in identifying, qualifying, and prioritizing new business opportunities following a sales process, you’ll own and execute various vital business services critical to our clients’ growing and continued success.

We value our employees and respect their unique contributions. Our employees enjoy a dynamic, team-first culture, engaging and meaningful work, a collaborative environment, and the unsurpassed opportunity for growth and advancement. Seize the chance to contribute to clients’ achievements, bolster your strategic business prowess, and craft a fulfilling career you love.

Ready to get started? See what you are for in the job details below.

What You Bring to The Table

Following are the key professional attributes that will lead to success in this role:

• Communicator – Your written and verbal skills are exceptional. You can easily communicate complex topics to individuals and groups.
• Collaborator – You are a trusted partner and teammate. You enjoy partnering with others and working collaboratively toward a common goal.
• Change agent – You understand, support, and promote the organization’s strategic vision, goals, and objectives. You have a constant pulse on both the big picture and bottom line.
• Connector – You enjoy networking and developing long-term customer relationships that lead to ongoing business opportunities.
• Detail-oriented – You embrace timelines, keep within budgets, and can handle whatever comes your way with the most incredible ease.
• Business-savvy – You are dedicated to your craft, stay apprised of industry trends, and always have a pulse on the latest insights and best practices.

What You Can Expect Day-to-Day

Reporting directly to the president, the Business Solutions Specialist assists in developing trusted advisor relationships with key personnel at SMEs in the IMC service region and aids in providing these SMEs with a wide range of high-value services that directly support their success. In this vital role, you’ll actively contribute to developing and implementing projects that may involve direct delivery of services, including business strategy, business growth, process improvement, systematic innovation, and other solutions. Core responsibilities include:

Outreach and Relationship Development

• Continuously develop knowledge and a broad understanding of manufacturing markets, SME issues and needs, new manufacturing technologies, business growth strategies, business trends, and process improvement practices, including Lean, Continuous Improvement, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, and Innovation Practices.
• Support identifying opportunities to create high-value exchanges (educational, informative, supportive, and collaborative) with crucial personnel at SMEs using various media (phone, e-mail, in-person, etc.) daily.
• Contribute to identifying high-capability solution providers whose capabilities align with IMC standards and focus areas as well as the essential needs of the SME.
• Develop supportive win-win relationships with academic, federal, state, and local agency partners, ensuring that they have a clear understanding of IMC’s mission and core competencies, and that IMC has a clear understanding of partner missions and competencies.
• Assist in the development of customer leads and follow-up to make clients aware of services, fee and in-kind, available through IMC and other public or private resources.
• Coordinate the process of identifying, qualifying, and prioritizing new business opportunities following a sales process.
• Support IMC’s pipeline of business opportunities at various stages of development: prospecting, qualifying, engaging, and follow-up.

Client Interface and Project Management

• Develop trusted relationships with key personnel and leaders of SMEs.
• Support work with company engineers, technical staff, or management personnel to evaluate manufacturing strategies, production processes, manufacturing technologies, workforce or business processes, product development, and marketing and sales strategies that benefit the client.
• Assist in the development of project strategies and approaches that will provide SMEs with solutions to increase their competitiveness through operational improvements, cost reductions, market differentiation, and sales effectiveness or other measures for bottom-line improvements or top-line growth.
• Coordinate the development of project proposals outlining costs and benefits that respond to customer needs, therefore delivering results and impact for the client.
• Provide support to project management throughout the project.
• Contribute to the technical or other business services/advising SMEs and assist with making presentations on technical, engineering, or relevant business topics in conjunction with service providers.
• Aid in client follow-up to ensure the timely implementation of project recommendations and to ensure project quality and value.
• Serve as a connector among regional manufacturing entities to identify partnership opportunities.

IMC Program Management

• Assist the acting program coordinator for special programs when assigned.  This will include assisting with being the point of contact for participants, coordinating activities for the program, marketing the program, and completing necessary reporting to any agencies and internally for IMC.
• Aid the manager with special project initiatives as determined by the President (i.e., peer forums, lean users’ group, etc.). This will include aiding in coordinating logistics, preparing materials, ongoing communication, follow up with participants, and completing all reporting necessary to any agencies and internally for IMC.

IMC Infrastructure Support

• Aid in the development of a range of educational opportunities, high-capability, and well-aligned partnerships and business solutions that support the needs of SMEs with emphasis on Lean, Continuous Improvement, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, and Innovation Practices to build IMC’s reputation as the region’s thought leader on manufacturing’s most critical challenges.
• Interface with a variety of partners, including state and federal funding agencies, regional economic development organizations, engineering resource centers, and educational institutions, to advise IMC management on new services or resources that may be available to assist clients.
• In consultation with internal and external customers and stakeholders, recommend policies and procedures for IMC Business Solutions Specialist operations and initiate process improvements for their role.
• Maintain a current understanding and utilize CRM (Salesforce) as well as any other partner CRM systems.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with President or administrative team to ensure required metrics are submitted to the CRM in a timely manner and verified as accurate. Use IMC processes to aid in managing impact reporting and survey management processes for clients.
• Coordinate with the Financial & Contracts Manager to ensure contracts are executed in an appropriate manner.
• Meet or exceed established goals for projects and programming assigned throughout the year.
• Perform other appropriate job-related duties as assigned by the President.

What it Takes

The best Business Solution Specialists are astute business strategists committed to excellence, fueled by exceptional customer relationships, and relentless about client success.

Minimum Required:

This position requires occasional work at a client location, which may be in a manufacturing or non-office environment. Frequent travel throughout the service region, intermittent statewide travel, and infrequent out-of-state travel is expected and requires the ability to drive a vehicle.

• Bachelor’s degree in a business or technical field or an appropriate combination of both education and experience
• 1+ yrs. experience with a private-sector manufacturing business or equivalent
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing initiatives, such as Lean, ISO, Six Sigma, strategy, growth, sales and market development and innovation
• Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Experience working one-on-one with executive leaders to provide strategic counsel
• Innovative change agent with the ability to respond to a dynamic and often unpredictable business and funding environment
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to explain complex concepts and ideas to individuals and groups
• Mission-oriented with a demonstrated commitment to client success
• Acton-oriented with solid self-motivation, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
• Systems thinker, able to recognize the systematic nature of problems and identify system-oriented solutions
• Continual learner and pursues new ways to educate clients and deliver value
• Strong networking skills and strategies garnering credibility
• Effective sales skills and strategies
• Deep understanding of the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of others
• Proven ability to grow and develop client relationships
• Collaborates and works with others as part of a team to produce the desired outcome.
• Can quickly formulate questions and interpret responses
• Exceptional interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with coworkers, clients, board members, administrators, community representatives, and the general public
• Demonstrated sensitivity to diversity and multicultural issues
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.

Preferred:

• Entrepreneurial, sales management, marketing, and development of B2B relationships or customer service experience
• Conversational competence in IIoT, Industry 4.0, Additive Manufacturing, AMT, and Cyber Security
• Permanent residence in the 12-county regions of Pennsylvania (Lycoming, Clinton, Centre, Northumberland, Juniata, Montour, Union, Snyder, Mifflin, Blair, Huntingdon, Bedford)

THE COMPANY

Our Commitment to You

Your success is our success. The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to increasing Central Pennsylvania’s manufacturing community through innovation, productivity, and profitable growth to drive economic impact. IMC offers a wide range of services to help Central Pennsylvania manufacturers innovate – and thrive. We are looking for a driven, emerging, business-oriented self-starter excited by the opportunity to partner with clients to bolster and impact their success. If you are a can-do, inquisitive problem solver looking for a like-minded team, let’s start a conversation. Apply today by submitting your cover letter, resume and references to careers@imcpa.com.

IMC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Prysmian Group, the world leader in the energy and telecom cable industry, engaged with the IMC with interest in various areas of improvement including communication and leadership skills as well as job instruction training.

To address this need, the IMC provided content and expertise for Frontline Development Essentials as well as Training Within Industry (TWI) Job Instruction, a dynamic and proven method of hands-on training, learning and coaching for supervisors, team leaders and workers.

The Frontline Development Essentials program included theory, activities and small group interactions designed to foster learning and growth while also solidifying knowledge transfer and retention. Twelve frontline supervisors completed the three-day Frontline Essentials program.  Through instruction, hands-on simulations and coaching, they demonstrated new skills to make them more effective and improve morale in their areas.

An IMC Business Advisor, who is TWI Job Instruction certified, delivered a ten-hour TWI program to Prysmian. The TWI program provides a proven and reliable system for elevating employee engagement that advances ongoing and planned continuous improvement, kaizen, lean and operational excellence initiatives. Ten employees completed the TWI JI program and demonstrated mastery of the 4-step How to Instruct model.  They also demonstrated the ability to effectively Get Ready to Instruct with a focus on the Job Breakdown.  These employees then successfully implemented this model within their own areas, resulting in consistent training and reduced training time.

“The attendees of both training programs came away energized and eager to apply their new skills in training, coaching and communications. There is broad consensus that these skills should continue to be developed throughout the company.” Jeanette Wragg, Training Manager, Prysmian Group

Prysmian Group will expand Williamsport facility, bringing jobs to area | News | northcentralpa.com

Prysmian Group Hosts Beam Signing Ceremony on $22.5M Williamsport Facility Expansion Project | Prysmian Group

The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to announce leadership changes to its Board of Directors. At its annual meeting on June 20, 2023, Tanna Pugh was appointed the IMC Chairperson and will serve in this role for a one-year term. Also appointed to one-year terms were Marcus Annicelli as Vice Chairperson and Donita Rudy, Secretary/Treasurer.

Tanna Pugh currently serves as the Director of PennTAP where she is responsible for overseeing the programs and personnel who offer technical assistance to small and midsize companies throughout the Commonwealth. Prior to joining PennTAP, Tanna had a 25-year career divided between industry and academia. As IMC’s newly appointed Chairperson, Tanna will continue to bring her years of experience in building and sustaining long-term relationships, tech transfer, as well as program and business development to the Center. Tanna has been a member of the IMC Board of Directors since September, 2020.

“It is with great honor that I accept the role of Chair for the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center Board of Directors, and I am excited about the opportunity to further advance the initiatives of the IMC in supporting the manufacturing base of central PA.” Tanna Pugh, Director of PennTAP

Marcus Annicelli currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Bayard Printing Group headquartered in Williamsport, PA and Donita Rudy is a Certified Turnaround Professional located in State College, PA.

Ready to join a team dedicated to the success of Central Pennsylvania manufacturers?

IMC is seeking a Business Advisor to join our mission-driven, passionate team. The successful candidate will regularly meet with manufacturing clients to determine areas where the IMC can help them succeed in business growth, continuous improvement, innovation practices and other solutions. BAs typically provide consultative services, performance improvement options, and may work with 3^rd party consultants or training providers. Candidates should have experience in manufacturing operations, production, business consulting services, workforce development services, or related experience with advanced manufacturing technologies.

The successful candidate will be a high energy navigator who is able to interface with regional manufacturing business leaders, operations and production leaders, and H.R. roles to create awareness and provide services that advance the manufacturing community.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in a business or technical field or an appropriate combination of both education and experience, and a minimum of three years’ experience in a manufacturing or consulting business. IMC offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.

If you fit these requirements and wish to apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to: careers@imcpa.com or mail: HR Manager, IMC, One College Avenue, Dept. 32, Williamsport, PA 17701. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. EEO

Congratulations to IMC’s Lauri Moon, named one of Pennsylvania Business Central‘s 2023 Top Nonprofit Female Leaders! Lauri has been a member of the IMC team for over 30 years, working to support our mission of growing and strengthening Central PA manufacturers and supporting the Central PA community at-large. Join us in congratulating Lauri on this well-deserved honor!

“Lauri Moon has been with the IMC for 32 years and is responsible for many areas of the organization including administration, outreach, training, and special projects. Lauri, and the IMC team, work with Central Pennsylvania manufacturers to drive economic success and profitable growth through support in areas such as advanced manufacturing technologies, workforce training and development, supply chain optimization, and quality and continuous improvement strategies. In 2022, the IMC served 110+ Central PA manufacturers to create/retain over 400 jobs and realize $32.5M in new/retained sales, cost savings and investments. Lauri manages and participates in many special projects including Coordinator of the Williamsport/ Lycoming Keystone Innovation Zone, Manager of the Central Susquehanna What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Video Contest, and the MADE in Central PA Next Generation Sector Partnership. Lauri also volunteers for various non-profit organizations such as Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, The YWCA Northcentral PA, and the Leadership Lycoming.”

As of April 13, below are several open supplier scouting opportunities that are available through IMC’s federal sponsor to scout. If interested in learning more about any of these opportunities, contact IMC Business Advisor, Dana Gordon at danag@imcpa.com or 814-933-7828.

• Level 2 EV Charger closes Jan. 5, 2024
  • Submitted by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• DC Fast Charger closes Jan. 5, 2024
  • Submitted by EPA
• Extruded Copper for Box Connector closes May 25
  • Submitted by a fellow Pennsylvania MEP center
• Radiosondes closes May 5
  • Submitted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Reversible Winter Skirt with Snaps closes May 5
  • Submitted by fellow MEP
• Polypropylene closes May 5
  • Submitted by DialCap
• Packaging closes May 5
  • Submitted by DialCap
• Misc. Electrical Line Hardware closes May 12
  • Submitted by Department of Energy Western Area Power Administration