Manufacturing competitiveness in Erie helps make Pennsylvania a national industry leader
Lawmakers visit Penn State Behrend to discuss innovative programs between students and manufacturers
Rep. Robert Merski August 26, 2025 | 1:14 PM
ERIE, Aug. 26 – Keeping Pennsylvania competitive in the manufacturing industry was the focus of a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable discussion and tour Tuesday morning. Members of the committee toured Penn State Behrend in Erie and discussed with university officials how the opportunities available to both students and manufacturers on campus will put Pennsylvania at the forefront of the industry.
“Today was a great chance to show legislators just how much our corner of Pennsylvania is preparing to help make Pennsylvania a manufacturing leader, and it starts at the undergraduate level,” said Rep. Bob Merski (D-Erie), who hosted Tuesdays event. “With resources like these, it’s clear our commonwealth is helping produce the next top manufacturing industry leaders and keep us competitive.”
During the event, members toured various parts of Penn State Behrend’s campus, including the Burke building, which houses the innovation commons and robotics lab; the new Kyocera building, which houses a Japanese-based manufacturer that relocated its U.S. headquarters to campus after visiting Erie; the future site of the Center for Manufacturing Comptetitiveness, a research-focused building that will feature more manufacturers; and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center.
At Penn State Behrend, manufacturers work side-by-side with students through internships and programs. In fact, manufacturers must work with students to have a space on campus. Amy Bridger, Assistant Dean for Innovation and Corporate Strategy at Penn State Behrend, told members manufacturers have purposefully moved to Erie to work with students here.
“Pennsylvania is a consistent leader in manufacturing, constantly in the top ten states when it comes to output. But what many people might not know is that students and industry leaders in Erie are helping to lead the way,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie). “We have incredible opportunities here for both students looking to further their manufacturing careers and manufacturers looking to increase innovation and production. It’s no wonder why global and nationwide companies are choosing Erie for new locations.”
Following the tour, members sat down for a roundtable discussion on manufacturing competitiveness with Bridger, Penn State Behrend Chancellor Ralph Ford, and Matt Erickson, Facilities Manager for McInnes Rolled Rings.
Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee events can be found at pahouse.com/policy.