Our Resource Center is your go-to hub for curated content related to manufacturing, including our latest newsletters, insightful blog articles, whitepapers & tools, and our engaging podcast.
News for Manufacturers
by Sara Hanks, NWIRC, President/CEO As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what this first year in transition has meant: for me personally, for NWIRC, and for the manufacturers and partners who shape our work each day. I entered the CEO role with a listening mindset, fully aware I wa.... READ MORE »
As 2025 winds down, many organizations are turning their attention to the year ahead. But for manufacturers and workforce development teams, the most impactful planning horizon isn’t just 2026—it’s the next three to five years. Strategic planning is more than a calendar exercise; it’s a chan.... READ MORE »
NWIRC is committed to helping manufacturers tackle their most pressing business challenges. Every day, our team supports companies across a 13-county region in northwest and north central Pennsylvania through expert consulting and impactful projects focused on continuous improvement, employee/leader.... READ MORE »
Driving Impact for Manufacturers 2025 (DIFM25) is a conference coming to the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie PA on March 25, 2025. The day will be jammed packed, including an an immersive manufacturing business simulation and keynote expert on talent attraction, engagement, and retention. Schedul.... READ MORE »
By Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC The start of a new year is always a time of reflection and planning. A time to reassess goals, strategies, and operations. But we can’t stop there. We know 2025 will bring a fresh slate of opportunities and challenges. With a new president and administration ta.... READ MORE »
By Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC Each year, NWIRC is fortunate to assist manufacturing companies across our 13-county footprint of northwest and north central Pennsylvania become more competitive and grow. These companies, ranging from small family-owned businesses to mid-sized enterprises, are .... READ MORE »
by Michael Griffith, NWIRC, Chief Operating Officer Even if your company is having a banner year, now is the time to look not only how to gain new customers, but also how to shed customers who may be a drain on profitability. It goes without saying that customers can negatively affect profitabil.... READ MORE »
By Francisco Garcia, Senior Management Consultant at Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension Inc. The pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions have been harsh reminders of the need for manufacturers to create or update their business continuity plan (BCP). Disruptions of some sort are.... READ MORE »
Monthly Publication for Manufacturers
Stay in touch with NWIRC! Feel free to view or download a previous newsletter issue. To receive a copy by mail, please send a request to: lknoll@nwirc.org
You can also register to receive the NWIRC eNews.
Podcast for Manufacturers
NWIRC’s Bob Zaruta, and co-host Robin Keller, spoon into the secret sauce of regional manufacturing companies to explore their success ingredients, latest initiatives, best practices, and more. The goal is to strengthen the manufacturing industry in northern Pennsylvania with company leaders sharing strategies for success, so their peer companies can listen and learn. Twice a month, they’ll stir up conversation on topics from attracting and retaining employees to developing an engaging company culture, implementing technology, achieving profitable sales growth, and other spicy topics that are sure to entertain and inform. New episodes are released on the first and third Monday of each month.
Downloadable Resources for Manufacturers
The triple bottom line of upskilling is employee loyalty, increased productivity, and business growth. Upskilling is more than just training — it’s a strategic investment in people that transforms your workforce into a powerful engine of innovation and resilience.
With the rapid acceleration of technology adoption, automation is becoming a business imperative for manufacturers who are looking for ways to increase productivity and solve workforce issues. There is much to gain from a strategic approach that leverages people and guided by business goals.
Industrial AI (IAI) is the intersection of rules-based decision making, machine learning, and human insight. This whitepaper features best practices for IAI use and development.
These strategies help manufacturing companies proceed down the energy transition pathway with efficient energy practices, practical emissions reduction strategies, and tools for more efficient operations.
An advanced manufacturing guide for manufacturers that don’t have time to sort through overwhelming amounts of information about technologies. This whitepaper provides answers to some common questions and concerns, so you can decide if certain technologies make sense for your company.
Many manufacturers are struggling to find and retain employees. It’s time to approach employee attraction and retention differently. Find out how in The Manufacturers’ Guide to Finding and Retaining Talent.
Small manufacturers continue to be more vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions than larger companies. Find out how your company can take a more strategic approach to managing your supply chain.
Before you purchase or otherwise acquire a piece of equipment, whether it be a CNC machine or a cell phone, see the questions and insights in this guide.
This company self-assessment is designed to help manufacturing organizations who are looking to get started, reboot, continue, or enhance their journey to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.
To learn more about current funding or grant opportunities for projects or training, contact one of our Strategic Business Advisors.
Energy & Manufacturing EconomyThe Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA) initiative provides technical assistance and business support to small and medium manufacturers seeking to expand business, production and jobs in the energy supply chains. Mini-grants, of up to $10,000, are for eligible projects (up to 50% of total costs). The first step is to complete the Energy Assessment.
SMART-PASMART Manufacturing incorporates advanced technologies into business and production processes to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and quality. By connecting systems, machines, and people across your manufacturing enterprise, it enables real-time decision-making, process optimization, and greater operational control.
SMART-PA benefits and resources include:
Schedule a Discovery Meeting and Assessment
The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) helps companies enhance their competitiveness locally, nationally and internationally, by updating and improving the skills of their employees to meet specific company needs. Manufacturers can access up to $2K per employee for skills training.
Learn More at WEDnetPA Website
Background Pepro, LLC is a veteran-owned, small business located in Oil City, Pennsylvania with 22 employees. The company has been providing state-of-the-art deployable radio sites without loss or failure since 1992.
Background: Jamestown Coating Technologies (JCT) of Jamestown, PA has built a legacy of value and performance in the industrial coating industry since 1885. Since establishing their commitment to customers…
Background Better Baked Foods, founded in 1970, is a manufacturer for traditional frozen pizza, french bread pizza, and sandwich items for private-label…
