Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC) wrapped up 2025 with steady momentum, clearer direction and a growing network of manufacturers and partners working together on shared workforce goals.
Membership Growth
Membership development stayed front and center throughout the year, supported in large part by member referrals. Expanding the membership base strengthens the Coalition’s voice, diversifies perspective and magnifies impact.
Manufacturer:
- Firmapak
- Flowline
- Graham Stamping
- Integrated Fabrication & Machine
- Jamestown Coating Technologies
- Medart
- Solar Atmospheres
- T. Bruce Sales
Education:
- Butler County Community College (BC3)
- Penn College of Technology (PCT)
- Youngstown State University Workforce Education and Innovation (WEI)
Community/Economic Development:
- Forward Lawrence
- German American Chamber of Commerce Pittsburgh Chapter
- Penn-Northwest Development Corporation (PNDC)
- Steel Valley Authority/SEWN Program
- Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc.
Associate:
- Advanced Technology Partners
- First National Bank
- Gilbert’s Risk Solutions
- Hill Barth and King
- Lee Michael Industries
Partnerships and Career Awareness
Partnerships continued to play a major role in progress. LMMC operates as a connector, and its work is built around collaboration rather than standalone efforts.
A strong example is the expanded partnership with Lawrence County School-to-Work on the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing West Central (PA) program. What began with seven participating school districts has grown to 13 across Mercer and Lawrence counties.
Student teams have completed manufacturer visits and are now preparing video entries. Public voting will take place at the end of March.
Workforce Training
Workforce training efforts also gained traction. The Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship (AMP), developed by PCT and supported by Forward Lawrence, enrolled 28 students in 2025. The program blends online instruction with hands on labs, industry speakers and plant tours.
Twenty-two students completed AMP, earning up to a $1,000 performance-based stipend, and 13 earned the Certified Manufacturing Associate credential from ToolingU-SME. Several graduates secured positions with local manufacturers, including registered apprenticeships and a position with LMMC member Flowline.
Looking Ahead
With support from PNDC, AMP will expand into Mercer County in 2026. The program has already received more than 45 applications, with classes beginning in January.
LMMC also hosted its fall membership and community meeting on October 7, drawing around 60 participants. Breakout discussions focused on manufacturing readiness and manufacturing career awareness helped shape next steps.
These include the launch of the Manufacturing Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship at BC3@Lawrence’s new Shenango Commons location in early 2026 and the formation of Manufacturing Career Awareness working committees centered on career pathways, student engagement and youth informed outreach.
As 2025 closes, LMMC enters the new year with a stronger base of members, deeper partnerships and a shared commitment to improving the visibility of manufacturing careers across Lawrence and Mercer counties.
To learn more about joining LMMC or getting involved, contact Julie Michael Smith at julie@lawrencemercermfg.com.
