IMC devoted to helping industry ‘innovate, grow and prosper’
Trending
Innovative Manufacturers' Center (IMC) is a private-public partnership located inside of the Pennsylvania College of Technology. IMC is a manufacturer partner with 12 counties in Pennsylvania, providing them "with the most effective regional, state and national resources to help them innovate, grow and prosper."
IMC was founded in 1988 by corporate members of Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania College of Technology and SEDA-COG. It was formed to accommodate a request from then-Gov. Robert Casey regarding the Industrial Resource Center program (IRC).
"The IRC program was created to support small to medium-sized manufacturers (under 500 employees) compete more effectively through the adoption of modern manufacturing philosophies, techniques, and technologies," According to Lauri Moon, the Manager of Outreach and Special Products, "IMC can work with manufacturers to address any need they may have including production improvements, quality services, information technology and cyber security, safety and human resources, to name a few."
With numerous sub-categories, IMC offers Manufacturing Assistance Services such as supply chain optimization and innovation engineering systems, technology-driven market intelligence (TDMI), and marketing and business growth such as website design, brand development, and digital marketing and SEO assistance.
Considering the scope of services, it is no surprise that the team behind IMC is comprised of experts. "Our staff includes a team of professionals with extensive business and manufacturing experience spanning many years who work directly with the manufacturers of our region to provide them with objective advice, strategic perspective, high-value services and solutions through access to regional, state and national resources," Moon said. "The IMC team enjoys connecting clients with trustworthy resources they can use to elevate their business. To see the impact we have on Central PA manufacturers to grow and prosper is very rewarding."
The Innovative Manufacturers' Center is currently serving manufacturers in Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Snyder, Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Huntington, Blair and Bedford counties, though that may change due to recent financial backing.
"IMC recently received a Department of Energy grant focusing on clean energy and energy improvements," Moon said. " IMC is also the recipient of a grant that will help us support manufacturers [in] the Department of Defense supply chain."
IMC provides online classes as well as manufacturer assistance, with a five-day webinar series coming up in January, called "Meeting the HR Challenge." In late January and early February, there will also be Lean Manufacturing Level One Certification and Level Two Certification programs available. "Other events to be held later in the year focus [on] cyber security, innovation and ISO Internal Auditor Training," said Moon.
Innovative Manufacturers' Center (IMC) can be found at 1127 W. Fourth St, Williamsport, PA 17701 or online at imcpa.com.