Upstart Manufacturers Coalition Awarded $236,000 Grant from PA Dept of Labor and Industry

MERCER – A collaboration of local manufacturers, including two from Ellwood City, working together to address shared workforce development challenges was awarded a $236,786 grant from the Industry Partnership program of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

The award was announced by Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer).

The Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC) was formed in 2023 by founding members Berner International, Blair Strip Steel Company, ELLWOOD, G.W. Becker, Inc., Hall Industries and Wheatland Steel Processing. West Central Job Partnership, the region’s operator of PACareerLink offices, and Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition have also been integral in the formation of LMMC. The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the organization nearly $1 million in 2023 for start-up and workforce development and training initiatives.

“This grant funding will help to accelerate our ability to accomplish our mission of improving visibility of the many rewarding and appealing manufacturing career pathways available in Western Pennsylvania,” said Anna Barensfeld, VP Strategic Initiatives, ELLWOOD. “Participation by our peer employers throughout Mercer and Lawrence counties remains critical. As an industry-led organization, we know we’re better served by addressing our collective workforce shortages together than by going it alone.”

Funds will be used to promote local manufacturing career opportunities and offer technical and career-readiness training, particularly among young adults ages 16-24, career switchers and those transitioning into the workforce after significant time away, including those with barriers to entry.

Additionally, LMMC will prioritize developing workforce retention and upskilling programs to advance the existing manufacturing workforce into higher-skill and higher-wage positions with their employers.

“We’re looking forward to leveraging these funds to work with regional organizations, schools and local manufacturers who share our goals,” said Chris Becker, President, G.W. Becker, Inc.

LMMC encourages manufacturers in Lawrence and Mercer counties who are interested in membership or learning more about the organization to email Julie Michael Smith at julie@lawrencemercermfg.com.