Armanini Applauds Manufacturing, Workforce Investments

October 26, 2026

HARRISBURG – The $39.9 million federal investment being made into northcentral Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry and workforce development programs will have enormous benefits for the region and Pennsylvania as a whole, according to Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Elk/Clearfield).

Armanini, who came to elected office after more than 30 years in the powdered metal industry, talked extensively with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) about the importance of the projects announced today by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The funding will be used to help transform portions of the former Penn State DuBois campus into a regional hub for advanced manufacturing research, innovation and workforce development.

“This was an all-out effort from leaders within the private and public sectors. I’m so passionate about our regional manufacturing and cannot overstate how pivotal this will be for our carbon graphite, rare earth elements, powdered metal, fabrications, hardwoods and other industries,” Armanini said.

The significant investment for the DuBois Center for Innovation Regional Manufacturing Hub comes from disaster response funding related to 2024’s Tropical Storm Debby. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the private sector has pledged another $160 million for the center.

Representative Mike Armanini
75th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
www.repmikearmanini.com