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.

Polymer Sustainability Summit

Join us for our inaugural Polymer Sustainability Summit! This event will bring together industry leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to discuss and explore innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the field of polymer sustainability. 

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
Penn College News
07.02.2024

Penn College polymer training attracts diverse professionals

Two recent workshops conducted by the renowned Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology delivered training to 23 professionals representing 15 companies, six states, Canada and Costa Rica. The five-day Injection Molding Processing Series offered a comprehensive examination of injection molding technology, and the two-day Extrusion Die Design Workshop introduced die design principles for all major extrusion processes.

06.27.2024

College names vice president for workforce development

Alison A. Diehl has been appointed vice president for workforce development at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Diehl’s hiring was approved June 27 by the Penn College Board of Directors. She has been serving as executive director of the college’s Clean Energy Center since November 2023; she begins her new duties on Aug. 5.

06.26.2024

Penn College thermoforming training enhances workforce

The polymer technology workforce received a boost, thanks to recent training hosted by the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

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