Plastics Innovation & Resource Center

Tap into world-class training plus research and development designed to help plastics companies close skills gaps, increase efficiencies, and overcome process and compounding challenges.

Contact

  • Plastics Innovation & Resource Center
  • Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Rm. E128

The Plastics Innovation & Resource Center (PIRC) provides technological resources to facilitate the growth and success of the plastics industry. The Center serves the educational, training, and research and development needs of plastic processors, resin suppliers, mold builders, and equipment manufacturers. We deliver extensive material testing laboratories, industrial-scale process equipment, and world-class training facilities, all with the support of highly skilled training and consulting staff.

Explore our training

Equipping employees with essential skills and knowledge to become safe and productive contributors in a plastics manufacturing environment is critical. Explore our customized training programs designed to develop proficient plastics professionals.

Hands-on Workshops

Each year, the PIRC hosts a series on hands-on training workshops with leading industry experts, including Penn College faculty, on campus in Williamsport, PA. Participants have access to industrial-scale process equipment and extensive material testing laboratories. In addition to key learning opportunities, participants are able to network with peers and industry leaders.

Apprenticeships

Our plastics process technical program develops machine operators into valued technicians. We offer registered apprenticeships in extrusion and injection molding led by industry experts. Courses are delivered virtually to allow for multi-site delivery and maximum flexibility. 

Online Plastics Process Modules

These self-paced learning systems utilize video content to deliver theoretical, conceptual, and virtual instruction through digital twinning in extrusion and injection molding. 

Custom Training

Draw upon the expertise of our panel of renowned instructors and industry experts to develop custom training to meet your needs. Training can be offered on-site at your facility or in our labs in beautiful Williamsport, PA. Contact us to learn more. 

Explore our program areas

Applied Research & Development

The PIRC is the complete solution for process improvement, applied R&D, product development, and prototyping.

Plastics Mobile Lab

The Plastics Mobile Lab provides a user-friendly hands-on STEM educational opportunity for students.

Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence

The center supports applied research and development in the rotomolding industry.

Thermoforming Center of Excellence

This facility is dedicated to serving the education, training, and research and development needs of thermoformers, sheet extruders, resin suppliers, mold builders, and equipment manufacturers.

Benefits

Increase profitability

  • Improve manufacturing productivity
  • Better utilize and manage materials
  • Use new technology and materials
  • Benefit from energy reduction programs
  • Decrease operation costs

Decrease development costs

  • Reduce production down time for trials on new materials or products
  • Handle analysis, testing, mold trials, product development, and research needs
  • Reduce capital costs – no need to invest in your own R&D facilities

Develop and train your workforce

  • Participate in national hands-on workshops
  • Employee Certification of skills and knowledge
  • Provide customized workshops at your site or at Penn College
Student Experience

“The PIRC did a terrific job analyzing and solving this complex problem. I highly recommend them.”

PIRC Student

Penn College News
12.05.2023

College joins in corporate partner's resurgent Manufacturing Day

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sekisui Kydek opened its Bloomsburg operation to more than 100 secondary and vocational school students and their faculty chaperones this fall for Manufacturing Day – an immersive exploration of the vast career opportunities available in polymer engineering at which a five-member Pennsylvania College of Technology team actively participated.

09.26.2023

Workforce Development VP among state's 'Labor Power 100'

Penn College's vice president for workforce development is included in "The 2023 Labor Power 100," profiled in a recent issue of City & State Pennsylvania magazine. Shannon M. Munro – who manages training and employment partnerships with the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center, Apprenticeship Center, Clean Energy Center and at Penn College at Wellsboro – is No. 91 on the list.

08.15.2023

Plastics pros enhance skills at Penn College

A diverse group of plastics professionals from throughout North America experienced higher-level technology in rotational molding during a recent workshop hosted by Pennsylvania College of Technology and its renowned Plastics Innovation & Resource Center.

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