By Keith Stamm, Director of Workforce Development, GRCA
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.
Manufacturing accounts for over 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 around 40 local manufacturers who 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 11th annual Manufacturing Summit from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 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. BusinessPA, which is part of PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), will provide the keynote panel discussion. They will discuss ways BusinessPA and the Commonwealth can assist manufacturers with business retention and expansion, business attraction strategies, incentives, working with site selectors, current sites and business marketing. Panelists will include BusinessPA’s Justine Belyus, Ali Doyle and Mike O’Rourke. Our moderator for the panel will be Pamela Menet, from the County of Berks.
Following the panel discussion will be a presentation by Ronn Cort, President and CEO of Dunmore, a global manufacturer specializing in advanced materials for aerospace, packaging and industrial markets. His presentation provides a practical guide for implementing generative AI in manufacturing, focusing on real-world applications at Dunmore. It shares tangible successes and failures, demonstrating how any manufacturer can safely and securely integrate AI to achieve immediate results.
There will also be a presentation from Lindsay Heist and Lauren Stricker from RKL on future-proofing HR in manufacturing. They will explore how evolving workplace strategies and innovative approaches to employee engagement are reshaping the industry. Attendees will gain insights into the changing role of technology in workforce development and HR operations, as well as emerging trends and best practices to address current and future talent needs.
Additionally, there will be a presentation highlighting the work of our CTC students in manufacturing and as part of this year’s event. The 2025 Manufacturing Summit sponsors 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/mfg25.
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.