Senator Mccormick Celebrates $39.9 Million Grant to Transform Former Penn State Dubois Campus Into Manufacturing Innovation Hub

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement awarding Pennsylvania $39.9 million to establish the DuBois Center for Innovation, transforming facilities at Penn State DuBois into a regional hub for advanced manufacturing research, innovation, and workforce development. Senator McCormick worked with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to secure the funding. The investment will strengthen North Central Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry, prepare workers for good-paying jobs, and help local businesses compete in emerging industries. “This is about turning a challenge into an opportunity for DuBois and the entire region,” said Senator McCormick . “I’m proud to have helped push this project forward and am grateful to Secretary Lutnick for investing in Pennsylvania’s future. This is a major win for Pennsylvania workers.” “Pennsylvania continues to lead in advanced manufacturing, and under President Trump it will continue to do so. With this grant and more than $160 million in private sector commitments behind it, we will train hundreds of workers each year and give companies the tools they need to stay at the front of American manufacturing,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick . “Our region is the epicenter of the world’s powdered metals industry, and this investment will ensure that we remain globally competitive into the future,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson . “I was proud to push for this project, which will significantly enhance the regional talent pipeline and global competitiveness in an area facing persistent workforce shortages. This is excellent news for the region.” “This investment represents an opportunity to strengthen one of Pennsylvania’s most important manufacturing clusters while accelerating economic development in a region that has faced long-term economic challenges,” said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State . “The DuBois Center for Innovation will provide the United States the domestic metal powder production needed for a strategic manufacturing capability essential to economic and national security and technological leadership, while creating opportunities for businesses and workers across North Central Pennsylvania.” Led by Penn State in partnership with regional economic development and workforce organizations, the center will provide advanced manufacturing research and development, hands-on training, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s pressed materials industry and support job growth across sectors including defense, aerospace, energy, and medical devices. Read Senator McCormick’s letter to Secretary Lutnick here . ###