News

Smaller Manufacturers Taking Advantage of Energy Deregulation

Pittsburgh Business Times by Malia Spencer, Reporter: April 20, 2012

Woodings Industrial Corp. and TIGG Corp. are in two very different businesses — one makes parts and equipment for the metals industry, and the other makes equipment for water, air and industrial processing filtration. Both Pittsburgh-area companies, however, are taking advantage of Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market and shopping for their electricity.

With expiration of rate caps across the state, nine-year lows in electricity prices, and the need to control all costs necessary to stay competitive in a global market, more and more small and midsized manufacturers are doing what large companies have been doing for years — finding competitive power suppliers.

According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, as of April 11, roughly 73 percent of the state’s industrial power customers, or 8,242 customers, switched from their utility to electric generation suppliers.

Duquesne Light saw 727 industrial customers switching, or 63 percent; West Penn Power saw 118 industrial customers switching, or 92 percent; and Penn Power saw 160 industrial customers switching, or 97 percent.

By switching, these customers are separating their power generation and distribution suppliers. Instead of buying the power from the utility that distributes it, they are buying from a different generator but still having it brought over the same distribution channels. This deregulation was enacted in 1997, but rate caps were placed to help transition into the market model. It wasn’t until January 2011 that the last rate caps expired.

For those who shop around, prices depend on the user and the term of the contract, but Erich Landis, partner at North East Energy Advisors, a Wexford-based broker and consultant, said he sees industrial clients paying as much as 9 cents per kilowatt hour down to 4 cents per kilowatt hour.

Catalyst Connection Using Social Networking to Link Area Manufacturers

Pittsburgh Business Times by Malia Spencer, Reporter: March 2, 2012Pittsburgh Business Times by Malia Spencer, Reporter: March 2, 2012

Catalyst Connection has started a social networking tool aimed at bringing manufacturers in the region together online.

Mymanufacturingconnection.org launched Feb. 23, and, thus far, about 50 people have signed up. Catalyst Connection is a nonprofit that works with manufacturers to remain competitive.

Each year, Catalyst works with roughly 200 area manufacturers, but, with more than 3,000 manufacturers in western Pennsylvania, the group wants to broaden its reach.

“We can’t personally meet with every single manufacturer, and we thought this is a way to share information and make information readily available so (companies) can start their own processes of continuous improvement,” said Tom Reed, director of marketing for Catalyst.

The social network is run on a platform developed by Intelmarx LLC, an Altoona company that makes these networks for nonprofit groups, Reed said. Catalyst invested about $10,000 in site development and will pay a monthly maintenance fee.

Like other social networks, the site allows users to create a profile and connect with others, as well as share information and start discussions. Some of the information, like expert blogs from Catalyst staff and videos, are available to the public, while other sections are available only to registered members. The site also allows for private collaboration between Catalyst and its clients or within groups that members create themselves, Reed said.

Rob Clark, vice president of operations for Blairsville-based Clark Metal Products Inc., is one of the early users and expects it may be helpful in offering a different way to network, since users can jump on and use the resources or connect with people on their own, sometimes unusual, schedules.

“I am on LinkedIn, and a couple of industry trade groups, but not real active, quite frankly,” he said. “I am interested to see what the Catalyst site is all about and see if it will be helpful.”

Georgiana Riley, CEO of Oakdale-based TIGG Corp. and a member of the Catalyst board of directors, already has some uses in mind for the site.

“I am convinced it’s a great way for us to access and share information among manufacturers,” she said, noting that other ad-hoc manufacturing groups she belongs to also can jump online and further their discussions with the site. “I think manufacturers in our region, once word gets out, I think they will use it.”

Riley expects to use the site to work with Catalyst staff under the private collaboration tools on a pair of projects.

Catalyst isn’t the only group creating a specialized social network. About a year ago, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence launched the Entrepreneurial Village and online network for that organization’s members. Unlike Catalyst’s site, the Entrepreneurial Village is an invite-only group and roughly two-thirds of the institute’s 200 members have joined, said Dr. Michael Lehman, director of marketing for the institute.

Members have been engaged with the site, Lehman said, posting questions and feedback for each other.

Catalyst Connection Hosts Awards Event to Spotlight Successes of Local Manufacturers

Catalyst Connection, a regional economic development organization dedicated to assisting small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania improve their competitive performance, held an Annual Manufacturing Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Heinz History Center that was hosted by their Board of Directors.\

“Manufacturing is a key sector for stimulating economic growth in southwestern Pennsylvania,” says Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection. “Southwestern Pennsylvania has seen positive macro-economic trends because of our manufacturer’s ability to develop and commercialize innovative new products that compete in a global economy.”

Scheduled to attend and speak at the event are United States Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-28) and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

“One of the greatest challenges facing western Pennsylvania in recent decades has been creating new jobs,” Congressman Doyle said in remarks delivered at the event. “I’ve been working with community leaders for nearly 20 years to transform our local economy from one based on a single industry to one that incorporates all of the growth sectors of the future – from education and health care to robotics and energy. But an equally important part of our effort to reinvent and revitalize our region has been to help grow the region’s small businesses, many of which still manufacture products for sale and export. Catalyst Connection has been a valuable partner in this endeavor, and I am pleased to be able to join you tonight in recognizing some of the outstanding local achievements in manufacturing.”

“Allegheny County has been extremely fortunate to have a diversified economy that continues to generate jobs. Manufacturing is a large part of that success as our businesses continue to grow and prosper here. Our partnerships with manufacturers will continue to help our county create jobs, revitalize communities and invest in our future,” says County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

Following a networking reception, guests listened to brief presentations from Mitchell and Catalyst Connection Chairperson, Dennis Meteny. “Through the hard work and dedication of manufacturers in western Pennsylvania, 1,500 more local jobs were created in the manufacturing industry in 2011,” commented Meteny.

Mitchell and Meteny focused on the success of manufacturing in southwestern Pennsylvania and the continuous potential for growth in the industry. The presentations also included an awards ceremony which recognized the accomplishments of four Catalyst Connection clients.

The awards began with the recognition of two manufacturing businesses, MECCO Marking and Traceability (MECCO) and Conspec Controls; both of these firms were recognized with a Catalyst Connection “Manufacturing Business of the Year” award.

MECCO is a leader in direct part marking, laser marking, laser engraving machines for traceability and part verification. MECCO is headquartered in Cranberry Township, PA and serves a variety of North American manufactures in the automotive, defense, aerospace, metalwork and fabrication, assembly, and medical industries. MECCO was flattered by this honor, and noted that the success of MECCO is in part to the relationships they have with Catalyst Connection staff. Dave Sweet, President of MECCO, notes “The best part of working with Catalyst is their team members. The staff at Catalyst are experts in the industry and they are able to connect well with the MECCO Team. Through their assistance, MECCO is able to perform at our best.”

Conspec Controls, headquartered in Charleroi, PA, was also recognized as a Catalyst Connection “Manufacturing Business of the Year”. Conspec Controls manufactures affordable and robust gas sensors, detectors, and systems for numerous industries in a variety of diverse applications. The firm is internationally recognized as a leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of gas detection instrument, monitoring and control systems, and underground radio communication equipment and systems. “Networking opportunities are of major importance to a small company. Part of our growth was really accelerated when we started working with much larger companies,“ President of Conspec Controls, Rob Albinger, notes about the Annual event, “I believe that if you want to become the best company then it’s important to work with the best companies and model yourself after them. Through our work with Catalyst Connection, we’ve been able to meet so many great manufactures in our region.”

The final award of the evening went to NorthEast Energy Advisors for their role as the Catalyst Connection “Manufacturing Partner of the Year”. NorthEast Energy Advisors is an energy advisory group that works with commercial, industrial, and property management companies to recue energy costs. Located in Wexford, PA, NorthEast Energy Advisors analyze daily electricity and natural gas trends in the marketplace. Through a constant evaluation of market indices, regulatory matters, economic data, and reliable market intelligence, NorthEast Energy Advisors acts as an independent and unbiased resource. Through its work with Catalyst Connect, NorthEast Energy Advisors has been able to help 44 Catalyst Manufactures save a combined $1 million dollars.

In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of local manufacturing businesses, Catalyst also recognized Georgia Berner, President of Berner International, as the Catalyst Connection “Manufacturing Champion of the Year”. Berner has been the leader of Berner International since 1984. Berner International, headquartered in New Castle, PA, manufactures innovated energy efficient, fresh air ventilation systems to help solve ongoing issues with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - related health issues and prevent sick building syndrome. Through this tireless work, Berner International has become an employer of choice in the western Pennsylvania region and now manufactures and distributes products internationally.

PA Made Wins 2010 PA Economic Development Program of the Year

The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association selected the IRC Network’s PA Made – Innovative Solutions for Existing Manufacturers Challenges and Obstacles to Growth as the winner of its 2010 Program of the Year at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with their Fall 2011 Conference in State College, PA on October 4th. The competition recognizes programs that demonstrate job creation and retention, innovation and creativity, leveraging of resources, public/private partnerships, regional impact, excellence in site and building design, and sensitivity to the environment.

PA MADE is a state-wide initiative focused on expanding our state’s manufacturing base – resulting in private sector growth, more family-sustaining jobs, and a rising tax base. This campaign is supported by a network of premier Centers that serve existing manufacturers across Pennsylvania and are comprised of NEPIRC; MRC; DVIRC; MANTEC; Catalyst Connection; IMC and NWIRC. The Network of Centers in Pennsylvania succeeds through extensive collaboration of a dedicated team that has developed and been proven to deliver results for over 20 years.

Although led by individual centers, through strong collaboration, the members of this network share in knowledge, growth and resources to provide innovative solutions for manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Each initiative of the individual centers is a component of a collaborative, strategic approach to further the Centers mission of advancing manufacturing.

Collectively in fiscal year 2009 – 2010, the PA Centers projects with their clients increased and / or retained sales in the amount of $566 million dollars; improved cost savings of $106 million dollars; and initiated investments made in the amount of $118 million dollars. Additionally, these projects created and retained 5,551 jobs. These metrics are provided through an independent survey completed with each company that works with the Centers.

Petra Mitchell on Our Region’s Business

Our Region's Business host, Bill Flanagan, talks with Dennis Meteny, CMC/Cygnus Manufacturing Company, and Petra Mitchell, Catalyst Connection, about the current state of Pennsylvania Manufacturing.

New Manufacturing Study Reports Challenges and Opportunities

A new study about the state of manufacturing in Pennsylvania reports that despite challenges in recent years, manufacturing remains the largest industry in Pennsylvania in terms of gross state product. These past and future challenges are analyzed and the team provides recommendations to maintain and grow our state’s important manufacturing sector. Key to these recommendations is support by the state through programs like the Industrial Resource Center. You can help by visiting www.pamade.org and submitting a support email to your state legislators.

Read a summary of the study’s findings.

"We are a manufacturing state," she said, adding that when compared to other states, Pennsylvania is more dependent on the sector than other states, where the average contribution to GSP is less than 12 percent…. read the full article here.

Kurt J Lesker Company Wins Advanced Manufacturer Award

Congratulations to the Kurt J Lesker Company that was named Advanced Manufacturer of the Year at the Tech 50 Awards hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. The Tech 50 Awards represent southwestern Pennsylvania’s most successful and innovative technology companies. The awards represent transformative technology centers of excellence with companies at all stages of growth.

Catalyst Connection Wins $950,000 Innovation Cluster Grant

Catalyst Connection received a $950,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to help small to medium size manufacturers enhance their productivity, technological performance and global competitiveness. The funding will be used to develop a Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) Consortium Model for Technology Acceleration that facilitates technology transfer from university and government laboratories, to regional manufacturers for product commercialization

Catalyst Connection, in partnership with University of Pittsburgh, The National Energy Technology Laboratory, Innovation Works and the Pennsylvania Nano Materials Commercialization Center, with support from Carnegie Mellon University and the Pennsylvania MEP Centers will be executing the plan. This effort is intended to leverage the Consortium’s capabilities with the MEP system to create manufacturing jobs by stimulating the growth of manufacturing companies and contributing to regional economies. The effort encompasses MEP’s strategic growth areas of technology acceleration; develops tools and methods to support technology acceleration, tests the model, and shares the model with the MEP system. Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection explained, “This funding will enable us to better link our region’s innovative manufacturers with the technology resources available to them, and fast track new technology into product commercialization and viable manufacturing jobs for this region.”

This RIC Grant is one of 22 awarded by the NIST MEP Program to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. The funding will help encourage the creation and adoption of improved technologies and provide resources to develop new products that respond to changing market needs. “A vibrant manufacturing sector drives American innovation and is central to our economic growth and global competitiveness,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “With the right investments, we can continue to create highly valued manufacturing jobs building great products and sell them around the world.”

Listen to Connie Palucka, Market Development Consultant, speak with "The International Capitalist" David Iwinski

David hosts this show weekly on American Entrepreneur Radio where he provides insights and analysis into the international business climate. http://www.fluctu8.com/podcast-episode/the-international-capitalist-david-iwinski-talks-with-connie-palucka-28118-35091.html

Listen Art Tintori, Managing Dir. of Financial Services, speak with The Empress of Biz! JoAnn Forrester

The Empress of Biz is an internet show that is part of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, a multi media on line community magazine with the news by, about, and for Pittsburghers. http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-80050/TS-388042.mp3

Manufacture America Event – September 27

Manufacture America is bringing leaders in manufacturing and government together in Pittsburgh on September 27 at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Township. View the invitation for further information.

Manufacturing News Talk on the Radio

TechVibe Radio airs on KQV 1410 AM. Petra Mitchell, Catalyst Connection President, is a frequent guest to discuss local and global topics in manufacturing. Click on the links below to listen to recordings of recent segments.

June 2010 – Rod Francis, Chief Financial Officer at MCC International

May 2010 – Kurt Lesker IV, Director of Quality at the Kurt J. Lesker Company

April 2010 – Stephanie Dileo, President of Homer City Automation

January 2010 - Looking ahead at Manufacturing after a difficult 2009

$650 Million in State Financing Available for Energy Programs

A forum was hosted by Catalyst Connection on January 7th so that manufacturers could learn about the state $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund. A panel of experts talked about the program and explained how companies could apply for these dollars in the following areas: high performance building projects, renewable energy projects, alternative and clean energy, solar energy programs, and early-stage energy investments.

The speakers outlined energy related financing and how to apply for both commercial and residential financing. Click the links below to see each speaker's presentation.

John Sider, Deputy Secretary for the Technology Investment Office

Scott Dunkelberger, Executive Director for the Commonwealth Financing Authority

Thomas Bell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority

If you would like to discuss the energy programs further or other funding opportunities, please call Catalyst Connection (412) 918-4300.

The Whitehouse releases a Framework for American Manufacturing

The new US Manufacturing Czar, Ron Bloom, (recently appointed by the President) just released the “US Manufacturing Framework”. The paper seems very comprehensive and addresses issues related to workforce, innovation and technology, access to capital, and tax and regulatory policy, among other things. I am encouraged by our Administration’s desire to focus on and support one of our most critical industries. All of us at Catalyst Connection are looking forward to working with our regional economic development partners to implement components of this plan and to support regional community economic development efforts that focus on manufacturing.” To learn more click here.

Miller Centrifugal Casting points to Lean Success in National Publication

Industry Week publishes Forging Change: Miller Centrifugal Casting Comeback which points to Catalyst Connection’s Lean consulting as a key support for success… more

Keystone Edge Magazine highlights real ENERGY SAVINGS for PA Manufacturers

A recent Keystone Edge Magazine article highlights real energy savings for Pennsylvania manufacturers....more

National Association of Manufacturers endorses WorkKeys Program.

The National Association of Manufacturers recently announced its endorsement of WorkKeys as a common standard of measurement for assisting the foundational skills and training needs of workers. WorkKeys is a skills certification system that “will revolutionize education and training for the 21st century manufacturing workforce," according to NAM President and CEO John Engler.

Catalyst Connection has more than 25 years combined expertise with the WorkKeys program. As an authorized reseller of the WorkKeys program, Catalysts’ Talent Management staff, trained in industrial and organizational psychology, can help companies develop assessments customized to specific organizational or job requirements.

Manufacturing remains one of PA’s most significant industries

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that a first-of-its-kind report shows the manufacturing sector is a huge economic driver in PA, currently employing more than 625,000 and generating more than 15% of the gross state product...more