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Plastics Innovation & Resource Center
Applying world-class training and Research & Development 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
570.321.5533 - pirc@pct.edu
The Plastics Innovation & Resource Center (PIRC) provides technology resources to facilitate the growth and success of the plastics industry in the United States and throughout the world. The Center, dedicated to excellence, serves the education, training, and research & development needs of plastic processors, resin suppliers, mold builders, and equipment manufacturers, offering access to extensive material testing laboratories, industrial scale process equipment, world-class training facilities, and a highly skilled training and consulting staff.
Explore our program areas
Plastic Workshops
(In Person & Remote)
Training and networking opportunities abound in our nationally acclaimed seminars and hands-on workshops, benefitting plastics professionals of all skill levels.
Plastics Mobile Lab
The Plastics Mobile Lab provides a user-friendly hands-on STEM educational opportunity for students.
Applied Research & Development
The PIRC is the complete solution for process improvement, applied R&D, product development, and prototyping.
Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence
Supports applied research and development in the rotomolding industry.
Thermoforming Center of Excellence
The facility is dedicated to serve 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
Our People
Here for you every step of the way
Penn College News
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.
07.07.2023
Nearly three dozen attend annual thermoforming workshop
A group of 35 employees from 18 companies attended the Hands-On Thermoforming Workshop at Pennsylvania College of Technology from June 27-29, schooled by in-house and industry experts on essential elements from materials to finished product.