Welcome to
FACTORY OF THE FUTURE

If you’re curious about why and how to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies in your operation, you’re in the right place. While modernization can be daunting, you’re not alone.

Take the first step! Answer a few questions to determine where you are on the Factory of the Future path, and jump into common next steps based on your starting point. Connect to a wealth of industry experience, local Pennsylvania resources, and a network of some of PA’s most trusted manufacturers working together to support manufacturing growth and competitiveness throughout the Commonwealth.

We’re glad you’re here!

Discover where
you are on the
Factory of the Future path.

Get Inspired

Learn about key Industry 4.0 technologies and companies’ experiences with integrating them.

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Get Ready: Strategy

Think through your strategic goals for technology upgrades.

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Get Ready: Team

Engage, support and train your team throughout the exploration and integration process.

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Get Ready: Floor

Optimize your current environment to the extent possible and augment key functions as needed (e.g. internet connection).

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Get Technical

Plot out and finalize financial, engineering and operational details, and implement.

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Get Better

Continuously improve – full integration and optimization will take time!

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Back to Step 1

This process is iterative and ongoing, with each iteration helping you to improve and grow!

Steps and related actions synthesized from a range of sources including:  Dunmore, Penn State University- New Kensington Digital Foundry, Pennsylvania Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), New Jersey MEP, Catalyst Connection

Knowledge Bank

DMI Companies Adopts Robotic and Analytic Technology, Reduces Environmental Footprint

Company story developed by: Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh, PA.   DMI, a leader in innovation, operations, and sustainability in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), began its Industry 4.0 journey in 2015. Involved in lean manufacturing and focused on...

Sheet Metal Fabricator Integrates Robotics with 200%+ Production Improvement

Company story developed by: Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), based in Williamsport, PA.  Metal Integrity, a sheet metal fabricator and machine shop in State College PA, was having continued workforce issues, leading to challenges to meet customer orders....

Real Time Funding Opportunity for Energy Improvement Projects- Due October 1

Real time funding opportunity: Department of Energy. Applications Due October 1, 2024. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs)...

Bottle Manufacturer Achieves $24,000 in Energy Savings with Support from PennTAP

Company story developed by: PennTAP Creekside Springs, LLC is a bottled water manufacturer situated in Beaver County, PA. Seeking to expand both their workforce and market presence, the management team of Creekside Springs was looking to implement energy-efficient...

Agricultural Product Manufacturer Set Industry 4.0 Priorities and Roadmap, following Assessment and Training

Company story developed by: CIRAS at Iowa State University CJ Bio America is a process manufacturer located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, a component of a global diversified manufacturing company. This location, founded in 2011, manufactures amino acids for livestock and...

Food Manufacturer Uses Assessment, Modeling and Internet of Things to 4x Production

Company story developed by: Oregon MEP (OMEP).  Pan’s Mushroom Jerky (Pan’s), an Oregon-based food manufacturer, was poised for significant growth from wholesale and direct to consumer market channels. Pan's leadership team knew they needed to significantly increase...

Paper Mill Trains Managers on Change Management, to Fully Benefit from Robotics Upgrades

Company Story Developed by: Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), based in Williamsport, PA.  Marcal Paper aka Nittany Paper Mills, LLC, is owned by Atlas Holdings, LLC a global company. Nittany Paper Mills in Lewistown, PA manufactures and provides recycled tissue...

Manufacturers Guide To Finding and Retaining Talent

INTRODUCTION As part of the annual NIST MEP survey, we ask clients from the 51 MEP Centers to identify the top three challenges their companies will face over the next three years. We use a predetermined list of challenges, which allows us to track responses over...

The Smart Factory

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Developed countries are investing a lot of effort in advancing the concept of the smart factory. They expect it will enable them to maintain superior production efficiency and keep production jobs. But what is a smart factory? This white paper...