McKesson
Cranberry Township, PA
Affiliated Organizations
Advanced Manufacturing Network
A Support System for Manufacturers
The Advanced Manufacturing Network (AMN) is comprised of members of the Pittsburgh Technology Council who conduct advanced manufacturing techniques as all or part of their business. The AMN was formed to develop a superior support system for improving the performance and growth of manufacturing in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The AMN identifies issues affecting manufacturers in the region and implements action agendas to address these issues and to resolve problems. With a diverse series of programs, events and projects aimed at educating participants and encouraging the exchange of information, the AMN is addressing important topics such as, workforce development, e-commerce, lean manufacturing, supply chain management, performance excellence and business climate. For more information about AMN's services and membership, visit the AMN Web site or contact
Jennifer Young, Managing Director, Advanced Manufacturing Network/IT Workforce, Pittsburgh Technology Council at 412.918.4224.
The Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology
Developing Virtual Contract Manufacturing
The Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology (Doyle Center) opened its doors in 2004 to create an agile Internet marketplace through virtual contract manufacturing. The Center is the focus of an economic development initiative designed to boost southwestern Pennsylvania’s value as a center of excellence in high tech manufacturing. Doyle Center provides small manufacturing enterprises with state-of-the-art technology tools, training and best practices to improve the value, quality and responsiveness necessary to become vital contributors in the supply chains of the U.S. defense industry. The Doyle Center bridges the gap between the U.S. Department of Defense, defense industry prime contractors and small manufacturing enterprises.
Doyle Center will create and manage a portal through which technology tools, services and management support are delivered to develop Virtual Manufacturing Enterprises that, in turn, deliver high-quality, cost-competitive products and services to the defense industry stakeholders. The Doyle Center is a young organization sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab.
For more information about how the Doyle Center can assist your company, visit the Doyle Center Web site or contact
Dennis Thompson,
Executive Director, Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology, at 412.918.4276.
Pennsylvannia NanoMaterials Commercialization Center
Industrial Resource Center Network
Helping Pennsylvania Manufacturers
Catalyst Connection (formerly SPIRC) was founded in 1988 as part of the Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Network, which consists of seven private, nonprofit economic development corporations. The IRC Network mission is to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Pennsylvania improve their competitive position and to assist those firms with developing and implementing world-class manufacturing practices.
Each IRC serves a specific multi-county region and offers specialized services that assist manufacturers in implementing best manufacturing technologies and management practices, which, in turn, help them to become more competitive and more profitable. Research indicated that productivity gains within IRC clients led to a $2 billion increase in gross state product between 1988 and 1997. Every public dollar invested in the IRC program yielded almost $22 of additional income in the state.
To learn more, please visit the IRC Network Web site.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Helping Manufacturers Nationwide
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a nationwide network of more than 400 affiliated manufacturing extension centers and field offices established under the auspices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. MEP centers offer technical assistance and the latest business practices to help the nation's smaller manufacturers improve their competitiveness. Catalyst Connection (then SPIRC) became a part of this system in 1994 and has increased the value it provides to its clients by drawing expertise and service support at the national level. Recently, Catalyst Connection has developed service programs and presented them to MEP for implementation at centers across the country.
To learn more, please visit the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Web site.