Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What is the IRC Network?

Formed in 1988, Pennsylvania's Industrial Resource Centers (IRCs) are a network of seven independent, private, not-for-profit educational corporations located strategically throughout the state. The IRCs work together to develop the best strategies and services which will respond to the needs of Pennsylvania's smaller (under 500 employees) manufacturers.

 

Why is manufacturing important to Pennsylvania's Future?

Pennsylvania has historically been one of the major manufacturing states in the nation. Today, manufacturing remains the keystone of the Commonwealth’s economy.

Manufacturing means jobs

Manufacturing directly employs nearly 1 million workers, or 18% of Pennsylvania’s workforce. Indirectly, it is responsible for another estimated 2.5 million jobs that depend on, or support, manufacturing.

Manufacturing generates family income

Manufacturing jobs pay well, with wages that are nearly double the average of service sector pay. Manufacturing wages account for more than 25% of the total state wage base.

Manufacturing creates wealth

Manufacturing accounts for 20% of the gross state product.

Manufacturing is global

More than half of the state’s exports are generated through manufacturing. Pennsylvania’s manufacturers are the key to expanding the Commonwealth’s presence in international markets.

 

How do IRCs work with manufacturers?

The IRCs operate much like consulting organizations. Each IRC serves a specific multi-county region of the Commonwealth and offers specialized services that can help manufacturing firms improve their competitiveness and their bottom line.

 

What kinds of services do IRCs offer?

Each IRC offers its own menu of products and services customized to the needs of its regional customers. Generally, however, IRC services include, but are not limited to:

• Lean Manufacturing
• Quality systems management (Including ISO 9000/2000)
• Manufacturing process improvement
• Information technology improvement
• Training and workforce development
• Environmental/Health & Safety improvements
• Business planning & market analysis
• Financing

Check your local IRC for specific services offered in your region.

 

How many companies have IRCs assisted?

Since 1988, IRCs have assisted more than 3,900 companies through more than 7,600 projects. While those totals are impressive, most manufacturers in the state have not yet benefited from working with an IRC.

 

Do IRCs provide assistance using their own staff?

All IRCs have knowledgeable, experienced manufacturing consulting professionals to assess manufacturers’ needs and determine how best to assist them. While some of the follow-up work is carried out by IRC staff, the IRCs also have a network of relationships with private consultants, universities and colleges and other economic development organizations. The IRCs work to match a company with the resources that can best serve it.

 

Can the IRC Network serve all Pennsylvania manufacturers?

The IRCs can work with any manufacturer. However, manufacturers with 500 or fewer employees can receive additional benefits or assistance under the guidelines established by the Commonwealth. The criterion of 500 or fewer employees, means that 98% of all Pennsylvania manufacturers can qualify for services targeted to smaller companies by the IRCs.

 

How are IRCs funded/Do manufacturers pay for the services received?

IRCs are independent non-profit organizations which charge fees for their services. They also receive annual support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government to help defray marketing and administrative costs, and offer high quality services at affordable rates to smaller companies.

Fees for services vary from one IRC to another, depending upon the scope of work performed.

 

Do other parts of the country have programs like the IRC Network?

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to establish this type of technology assistance program for assisting manufacturers. Since 1988, a number of other states have embarked on similar efforts.

IRCs are members of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Under this initiative, NIST, a unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has established a nationwide network that now includes more than 70 centers.

Through this national network, IRC staff can access additional state-of-the-art thinking and expertise on subjects of importance to Pennsylvania manufacturers.

 

Why were the IRCs created?

The Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Program was established by in 1988 to help Pennsylvania manufacturers compete more effectively through the adoption of new manufacturing philosophies, techniques and technologies. The program was reauthorized by the Industrial Resource Center Partnership Act of June 22, 2001( P.L. 400, No. 31).