Since 1988, the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC) has helped nearly 700 hundred Central Pennsylvania manufacturers become more profitable and competitive by tapping into valuable local, regional, and national resources.
As one of Pennsylvania’s seven Industrial Resource Centers and one of 51 national Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, IMC also leverages private investment to drive manufacturing growth in Central Pennsylvania. As a result, in 2022, Central PA manufacturers realized the following economic impact:
- Increased/Retained Sales – $17,433,000
- Increased/Retained Jobs – 404
- Cost Savings – $1,324,500
- Increased Investments – $13,502,909
- Saved Investments – $256,000
IMC, the first and only economic development program dedicated solely to the manufacturing community, brings best practices in the areas of advanced manufacturing, continuous improvement, innovation, business growth, and safety to small and medium-sized manufacturers, enabling them to compete more effectively in the global economy. While IMC serves manufacturers in these various service areas, the most robust set of service offerings include Lean and Continuous Improvement as well as ISO 9001 with IMC offering both client-tailored onsite training and services and public training opportunities in these areas.
Many manufacturers are experiencing workforce challenges including onboarding, using effective training systems, change implementation, and even retention strategies. The IMC team uses research-based methodologies that help manufacturers navigate many of these time-sensitive workforce challenges. Efficiency and productivity are not only metrics for production output, but also are critical for human capital requirements that the most successful organizations find necessary to survive during turbulent economic conditions.
Another navigational challenge within the manufacturing sector is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance. As employers face record breaking employee turnover ratios, keeping employees safe must be a top priority. Often the manufacturing community lacks internal resources that know and understand compliance requirements, which makes them more vulnerable to meeting regulatory standards. The IMC can help.
IMC is dedicated to the manufacturers in Bedford, Blair, Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties so let’s share some information about these manufacturers. According to December 2022 data provided by the PA Department of Labor & Industry, in these 12 counties there are nearly 990 manufacturers employing over 40,000 individuals making up 16.3% of the state’s total employment, with an annual average salary of $55,968.
Where does Clinton County fall in the 12-county average? Clinton County has 58 manufacturers employing 2,872 individuals with an average salary of $65,422. Manufacturing is the largest employment sector at 23.5% of the total employment in Clinton County.
IMC looks forward to working with the manufacturers in Clinton County. To discuss how IMC can serve your manufacturing company, contact Rick Terry, IMC’s Business Advisor dedicated to Clinton County, by emailing rickt@imcpa.com or calling 570-329-3200 x8083.
Lock Haven, PA – Published January 18, 2023