‘Tis the Season to Support Local (and Manufacturing)

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 the backbone of our local economy. They not only provide jobs and stimulate economic growth but also foster innovation and community spirit. With the holiday season fast approaching, we thought it would be fun to recognize manufacturers in the region who are making products (or contribute to products) that would make great holiday gifts – and are made right in our own backyard. Whether you’re already finished with your holiday shopping or just getting started, these locally-made products are fantastic last-minute ideas that showcase the talent, dedication and pride of regional manufacturing companies and their employees. Some on this curated list may not be for a gift, but would be great fare for your holiday gatherings. By choosing to support these businesses, you’re not only giving unique and thoughtful gifts but also contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of our local economy.
Let’s get started (in no particular order)!

NORTHWEST PA

reCAP® Mason Jars– Pour and store caps for reusing popular mason jars

Blind Tiger– A brand of ready-to-drink spirit-free cocktails and mixers inspired by classic cocktails from the 1920s

Stanganelli’s– Frozen pepperoni balls

Smiths– Hotdogs, hams, ox roast and other meats

Gordon’s Market– Sauces, rubs, and the Erie Box (of specialty products)

Seaway Manufacturing– Vinyl replacement windows and patio doors

Reed Manufacturing– Electric and battery-operated water transfer pumps

Mighty Fine Donuts– Donuts (of course!) for your holiday brunch

For the chocolate connoisseur – plenty of choices in our region including Pulakos Cholocates, Romolo Chocolates, Stefanelli’s Candies, Philadelphia Candies, and Daffin’s Candies

Byler’s Relish House– Fresh ingredient condiments like relish, BBQ sauce, jams, pickles, and salsa

For the pooch in your family, there’s is Rachael Ray® Nutrish pet food manufactured by Post Consumer Brands; and also other brands produced by Targeted Pet Treats

Hikes and Hose– Sustainable adventure gear

Channellock– Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, toolkits, and merch

Allegheny Mountain Beard Products– Essentials for self-care and a great beard

Whirley DrinkWorks– Mugs and cups sold at various retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and numerous national brand convenient stores

Pellegrino Food Products– Canning, entrée, bakery, pot pies and encrusted hand-helds

Joy Cone– Waffle products, sugar cones, cake cones, gluten-free cones and a website full of recipes

Lion Manufacturing– a student-run manufacturing enterprise at Clarion-Limestone High School offering holiday ornaments with proceeds going to a great cause.

Franklin Bronze Plaques– Cast custom bronze and aluminum plaques

AcousticSheep– SleepPhones and RunPhones for comfortable sleep and exercise

Our Own Candle Company with Engineered Plastics as one of their manufacturing partners, – featuring mason jar candles and many more products in a wide-range of wonderful fragrances.

NORTH CENTRAL PA

BWP Bats– Custom elite wooden bats

Stello Foods– Culinary concoctions such as Rosie’s Vodka Sauce, Red Bull In Italian Dressing, and Steel City Mild Chili

Zippo– Lighters of course, and other specialty items

Case– Specialty knives and collections

Parkway Industrial– A student-run manufacturing
enterprise at Bradford Area High School offering a
holiday ornament with proceeds going to a great cause

ProtekTor Model– Leather sandbag rifle and pistol rests

Micro Gainz – Fractional weight plates and lifting equipment

Laughing Owl Press– Art prints, greeting cards, clothing, and stationery

Team Minard– Custom screen printing and embroidery on t-shirts, polos, hats, totes, sweatshirts, and hoodies

King Krunch– Chocolates, popcorn, snacks, holiday baskets, and puppy treats

In addition to all of the above ideas, be sure to consider the countless number of local wineries, distilleries, and meaderies in our 13-county footprint for your holiday parties or host/hostess gifts.

Of course this isn’t an exhaustive list! We know there are many more out there, so if we missed your manufacturing company, drop us a line (lknoll@nwirc.org) and we’ll provide a shout-out on our social media and add you to the list for next year! Supporting these local companies not only brings joy to your loved ones but also strengthens manufacturing in our region.