By Keith Stamm, Director of Workforce Development
The manufacturing industry has played a crucial role in shaping Berks County’s economy for decades. As one of Pennsylvania’s key industrial hubs, the county’s manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, providing jobs and supporting local communities.
The manufacturing industry makes up more than 15% of the county’s total employment, far exceeding the national average of around 8.5%. The county’s manufacturing base includes a wide range of industries, from energy production to food manufacturing, which helps diversify our economy and make it resilient to shifts in any one sector.
The manufacturing sector not only drives local economic growth but also plays a part in Pennsylvania’s overall industrial output, producing goods that are sold and used both domestically and globally. This strong presence ensures the county remains competitive in both national and international markets.
With a large network of manufacturing employers in the county, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) oversees the Manufacturing Industry Partnership of the Greater Reading region. This partnership is powered by leaders from about 40 local manufacturers that come together to exchange challenges, explore opportunities and collaborate on programs. Supported by educational institutions and workforce development organizations, this public-private partnership unites all stakeholders to develop solutions for sustainable change, driving economic growth and success in the manufacturing sector.
GRCA’s role in facilitating the partnership is to support and grow the local manufacturing industry. In continuation of supporting the manufacturing sector, GRCA will be hosting the region’s 10th annual Manufacturing Summit from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Reading Area Community College’s Miller Center for the Arts.
This half-day event recognizes and celebrates manufacturing and is focused on bringing together manufacturers throughout the area to discuss common trends, current challenges and exciting, future possibilities. Lisa Riggs, Team PA, will provide a keynote presentation titled, “Manufacturing: A Priority Industry in Pennsylvania.” Riggs is the Senior Managing Director, Economic Growth Strategy & Partnerships. Her presentation will cover key areas of state-wide focus regarding manufacturing, including automation, supply chain and the translation of university-based R&D to real-world applications.
Following her presentation will be a panel discussion on “Designing a Talent Pipeline and Succession Plan for the Entire Organization.” Panelists will include Walter Banta, Brentwood Industries; Audra Donato, Misco Products. Terri Lampe Melcher, RACC, will moderate the discussion.
This event also will include multiple breakout sessions for attendees to choose from. Session topics will include “Factory of the Future: Focused Discussion on Adopting Automation” by Julia Kait and Riggs, Team PA; “How to Ensure Your Team is Engaged” by Laurel Cline and Scott Smith, Herbein HR Consulting; and “The Positive Outcomes of Appropriately Deploying Robots” by Shawn Furman, Manufacturers Resource Center.
As part of this year’s event, the 2024 Manufacturing Summit sponsors also will be helping to support the next generation of the manufacturing industry. A portion of all sponsorship dollars will provide several students with free admittance to the Summit. GRCA will be working with local colleges and Career and Technology Centers to coordinate the effort.
If you work within the manufacturing sector or your business supports the manufacturing industry, you will not want to miss this year’s event! To purchase tickets and learn more about the Summit, visit greaterreading.org/mfg24.
Anyone who is interested in more information about this year’s Manufacturing Summit, or the Manufacturing Industry Partnership of the Greater Reading region can contact me at kstamm@greaterreading.org or 610-898-7776.