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

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.

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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. 

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Polymer Sustainability Series

Join us for a special online three-part Sustainability Series as industry leaders share their insight and strategies on sustainability, financial incentives, and recycling.

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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. 

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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. 

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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 program areas

Applied Research & Development

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

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Plastics Mobile Lab

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

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Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence

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

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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.

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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
Penn College News
Industry reps, instructor with Penn College's MAAC single-station thermoformer

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Penn College plastics workshop attracts industry professionals

A recent two-day class focusing on heavy-gauge thermoforming applications attracted 15 industry professionals from seven companies to Pennsylvania College of Technology and its Plastics Innovation & Resource Center.

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two people working on large polymer equipment

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Penn College offers injection molding workshop

Nine industry professionals recently spent three days immersed in the Injection Molding Processing Fundamentals Workshop at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center. Sponsored by Engel Machinery Inc., the three-day course offered a comprehensive overview of injection molding technology.

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group engaged in plastics & polymer training

Friday, May 30, 2025

Penn College hosts rotational molding workshop

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center trained 14 industry professionals representing 10 companies during a recent Rotational Molding & Advanced Materials Workshop. Sponsored by M. Holland Co., the two-day session focused on establishing the link between material preparation, molding and final part quality. It also explored the latest advancements in industry-available materials.

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