Founded in San Francisco in 2020, Verne provides modern energy distribution solutions for sectors including construction, data centers, drilling, ports and more.

The company, which has developed a process to improve the efficiency of hydrogen storage and distribution, is building its first manufacturing facility at the energy park off John Brady Drive.

The nearly $4.5 million project is designed to create at least 61 new full-time jobs.

It also adds to the state’s focus on clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Michael Reed, President of the Pennsylvania College of Technology talks with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro after the press conference discussing the Verne development of a facility in Muncy to make high-density hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks. The $4.5m investment is expected to generate about 60 new jobs and will produce about 10,000 new tanks a year when it’s completed. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Verne developed a process to increase the density of hydrogen by storing the gas in a cold-and-compressed state, making it more efficient to transport in larger volumes.

Shapiro joined Verne Inc. co-founder, David Jaramillo, and local leadership at a news conference to announce that the energy storage innovator will open its first manufacturing facility in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

The commonwealth is investing more than $1.27 million to support the project, Shapiro said.

“Pennsylvania is making strategic investments to grow our innovation, energy, and manufacturing industries, and Verne clearly recognized that our commonwealth is competing again because they chose us over Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia for its first manufacturing facility in the country,” he said. Scaling up to commercial operations, the company will manufacture hydrogen storage vessels at its new facility, partnering with local manufacturers to leverage their expertise in critical processes.

Among those in attendance were management of PMF Industries, Williamsport, which makes hydrogen storage tanks for several industries, NASA, and the military.

Co-founder and CTO of Verne, David Jaramillo, Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink and Pennsylania Gov. Josh Shapiro talk about the Verne development of a facility in Muncy to make high-density hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks. The $4.5m investment is expected to generate about 60 new jobs and will produce about 10,000 new tanks a year when it’s completed. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Verne’s storage and transportation vessels — on display at the news conference in the form of side saddle tanks on a truck — are expected to help the state expand its nation-leading energy sector, which includes an exceptionally strong natural gas industry.

“My administration is proud to win deals like this that strengthen our local communities, grow our manufacturing sector, and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation and job creation,” he said.

“We’re competing aggressively for private sector investment — and Pennsylvania is open for business.”

“Pennsylvania is on the rise … Lycoming County is on the rise, because we are focused on smart economic development,” he said. The three Lycoming County commissioners — Scott Metzger, chairman; Marc C. Sortman, and Mark Mussina attended the launch announcement as did Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter. Also, there were representatives of various businesses and institutions of teaching trades and higher learning that will provide the skilled workforce, such as the Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lycoming College.

Shapiro said the administration will continue to focus on clean energy — from clean hydrogen to natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, promising — “Pennsylvania will again power the United States’ economy and power our future.”

Pennsylania Gov. Josh Shapiro talks about the Verne development of a facility in Muncy to make high-density hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks. The $4.5m investment is expected to generate about 60 new jobs and will produce about 10,000 new tanks a year when it’s completed. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“It will be a future powered on Pennsylvania energy, built by Pennsylvania’s trained workers.

“Whether they train at Penn Tech or whether they train at a union hall, whether they learn these skills in the 10th grade where their eyes open up and they learn how to be a welder, all of these investments are working together, and Pennsylvanians are better off for it.”

Shapiro turned to Jaramillo and said, “David, I want to thank you for betting on Pennsylvania. Verne has a bright future and I’m excited about its future here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

“After conducting a nationwide search, we determined that North Central Pennsylvania was the perfect place to establish our manufacturing footprint,”

said Ted McKlveen, Verne co-founder & CEO.

Co-founder and CTO of Verne, David Jaramillo and Pennsylania Gov. Josh Shapiro talk about the Verne development of a facility in Muncy to make high-density hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks. The $4.5m investment is expected to generate about 60 new jobs and will produce about 10,000 new tanks a year when it’s completed. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“The proximity to key partners in the region was a crucial factor, as it will allow Verne to leverage their expertise to optimize our supply chain and manufacturing processes,” he said.

“This facility will accelerate our impact in delivering energy to power critical industries that are currently not being served by our nation’s electricity grid.”

Shapiro acknowledged himself as a big sports fan and that it takes a team – whether it is the governor’s team or working with regional partners – and he recognized the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, as a key partner and introduced Jason Fink, chamber president and CEO.

“We are pleased to see Verne locating their first manufacturing operation here in Lycoming County at the Marcellus Energy Park,” Fink said in a release. “Lycoming County and Pennsylvania are the perfect fit for this hydrogen sector development,” he said.

“We not only have the natural resources but also the talent required from in-state colleges and universities to support and grow with them.

“This is yet another example of how the local and regional economic development organizations work together with BusinessPA to get things done in bringing new industry to Pennsylvania.”

“Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to see Verne, Inc. expanding at the Marcellus Energy Park, and we look forward to continuing our support of their growth there,” said Josh Bradley, regional manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Their innovative approach to hydrogen storage aligns with our mission to support advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies that drive sustainable growth in Pennsylvania.”

This project was coordinated by Governor Shapiro’s BusinessPA team, an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pennsylvania through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources. Whether based in the commonwealth, another state, or across the globe, the team moves at the speed of business to set up companies for long-term growth and success here in Pennsylvania.

Since taking office, Shapiro said he has made Pennsylvania more competitive and business-friendly, securing more than $25.2 billion in private sector investments and nearly 11,000 new jobs.

To support the project, the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided the company with a funding offer that includes a $1 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $153,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $122,000 WEDnetPA grant to help train its new employees. The company can also apply for Research and Development tax credits, which could provide additional benefits.

“This investment in Verne is another example of how the Shapiro administration is diversifying our energy sector while fostering innovation and supporting the commonwealth’s vital manufacturing industry,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “It also shows what Shapiro’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy is achieving — firmly establishing Pennsylvania’s status as a leader in innovation, economic development, and job creation.”

Verne is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, and many major companies across the country.