The Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC), a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in Central Pennsylvania, has been awarded two grants aimed at advancing technology adoption and green energy manufacturing in the region.

According to a news release, IMC will serve as a subrecipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) SMART-PA program and the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) fund. These programs will provide critical resources to help SMMs in the 12-county Central PA region enhance productivity, increase competitiveness, and support the transition to clean energy.

The SMART-PA program supports SMMs in adopting SMART manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and attract talent. Through this initiative, Central PA manufacturers will have access to:

• Technology Assessments: Identify opportunities for improved productivity.

• Technical Assistance: Support for implementing advanced manufacturing solutions.

• Mini-Grants: Financial assistance for technology adoption.

• Educational Events & Networking: Workshops, training sessions, and peer connections.

These resources will help manufacturers address critical challenges such as workforce shortages, delays caused by manual processes, high scrap rates, and excessive machine downtime, the news release said.

IMC’s participation in ARC’s ARISE fund will focus on helping manufacturers expand into the green technology and clean energy sectors. This initiative will provide:

• Training & Technical Assistance: Guidance for workforce development and technological adoption.

• Supply Chain Mapping: Insights into green energy supply chain opportunities.

• Factory Upgrades: Support for transitioning facilities to manufacture renewable energy components, hydrogen power systems, smart grid technology, electric vehicles, and other green innovations.

Central PA manufacturers looking to enhance their operations and participate in the growing green energy market are encouraged to connect with IMC at info@imcpa.com, 570-329-3200 for support, resources and to see how you can qualify for these grant opportunities, the news release said

Founded in 1988, the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center assists in connecting manufacturers in 12 Pennsylvania counties with the most effective regional, state and national resources to help them innovate, grow and prosper. IMC is supported through the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Industrial Resource Center program. IMC serves manufacturers in Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Snyder, Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Huntington, Blair and Bedford counties.