Penn State receives $39.9M federal grant for manufacturing hub

Penn State University has been awarded a $39.9 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to establish the DuBois Center for Innovation Regional Manufacturing Hub. Located at the university’s DuBois campus, the center aims to transform the manufacturing economy of north central Pennsylvania by accelerating innovation in the specialized field of pressed materials.

The project will serve Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties. Key initiatives include the modernization of facilities to house manufacturing laboratories and research spaces, the creation of a shared applied research and development center, and the development of workforce training programs and apprenticeships. The hub is also intended to support entrepreneurship and business growth services.

The initiative is expected to leverage significant additional investment, including up to $150 million from Bunting Magnetics & Magnetic Applications. Construction and redevelopment are scheduled to begin in the coming months, with the center expected to be operational in approximately 16 months.