Courtesy of Penn State Behrend
A major investment in Erie’s manufacturing future is taking shape at Penn State Behrend.
The Penn State Board of Trustees has approved final plans for a new $19.2 million Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness, a facility designed to strengthen the region’s metal-casting industry, expand workforce development programs and create new opportunities for industry collaboration.
The 31,300-square-foot center will be built in Knowledge Park and feature advanced metal-casting laboratories, manufacturing space for industry partners, and dedicated areas for workforce training and applied research. The project builds on Behrend’s Open Lab model, which connects local companies with student talent, faculty expertise and research resources.
Penn State Behrend Chancellor Ralph Ford said the center will create new opportunities for students and businesses to work together as manufacturers adapt to changing markets.
Funding for the project comes from a mix of federal, state, local, university and private-sector partners. Major contributions include $8 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, $2.5 million from Erie County, $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding awarded through Erie County and $500,000 from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. Zurn-Elkay Water Solutions also provided support for the project.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion targeted for November 2027.
The center is part of Penn State Behrend’s Project RESOLVE initiative and is expected to increase research capacity in metal-casting while supporting domestic manufacturing industries, including shipbuilding. Officials say the facility will also help address workforce needs by training students and workers in high-demand manufacturing skills.
Penn State Behrend has already expanded those efforts through a $4.4 million partnership with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and the U.S. Department of Defense. Through programs such as METAL and America’s Cutting Edge, the college offers free training in metal-casting, forging and machining.
College leaders say the new center will build on that momentum, helping attract companies to Erie while preparing the next generation of skilled manufacturing workers.