Ben Franklin Technology Partners to Invest $146,350 in Established Manufacturers

BETHLEHEM, PA--(Marketwired - Aug 14, 2014) -  The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) board approved the investment of $146,350 in regional companies. BFTP/NEP is an award-winning, state-funded economic development organization that links early-stage technology firms and established manufacturers with experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation. BFTP is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to create 16,214 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and to retain 22,155 existing jobs, to start 458 new companies, and to develop 1,279 new products and processes. Ben Franklin has returned $3.60 to Pennsylvania for every $1.00 invested in the program. 

Ben Franklin provides 1:1 matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based manufacturing innovation in established manufacturers.

Bosch Rexroth Corporation, Bethlehem - $25,000
With Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center, develop and implement a process to automate data collection that will drive process improvements and enable predictive maintenance for machining centers throughout the company. Bosch Rexroth manufactures motion control equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic components.

Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC, Reading - $22,350
With Northampton Community College's Emerging Technology Applications Center, conduct controlled testing to optimize Cambridge-Lee's manufacturing process for copper tubing to help the company enter new markets, and capitalize on market growth through return on investments in its manufacturing processes. Copper tubing is used in plumbing, refrigeration, and other commercial applications. The process improvement will increase throughput and reduce energy costs.

Fidelity Technologies Corporation, Reading - $25,000
With Northampton Community College's Emerging Technology Applications Center, develop improved and more mobile tactical electric power generator technology at this manufacturer of electronic, electromechanical, computer products, systems, and services primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense. These new generators meet a need for more compact, reliable, and fuel-efficient and fuel-flexible generators for the military.

Georg Fischer Harvel, LLC, Easton - $10,000
With Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center, complete a sustainability analysis to reduce energy consumption by 20% or more. GFH is an international leader in thermoplastic extrusion, primarily manufacturing PVC and CPVC piping for a diverse set of customers. Energy costs are a top manufacturing expense, so a cost savings in this area will yield a significant competitive advantage.

Hydro Recovery LP, Blossburg - $25,000
With The Pennsylvania State University, further develop and optimize the economic extraction of useful materials from residual "frac" water used in the development of natural gas wells. Hydro Recovery's process converts the used water into a Hydraulic Stimulation Fluid (HSF™) that can subsequently be reused to extract more natural gas. This process eliminates the need to transport wastewater over long distances. Further, recycling frac water into a reusable product will save millions of gallons of freshwater each year and eliminate discharge of treated water into waterways.

Palram Americas Group, Kutztown - $12,500
With Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center, complete the development of standard operating procedures in order to maximize efficiencies at this manufacturer of polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride plastic sheets. These standards will enhance safety and reduce both direct and indirect costs, leading to improved competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

PMF Industries, Inc., Williamsport - $23,000
With the Pennsylvania College of Technology, optimize the electrical consumption of the largest motors within the PMF facility. Electrical consumption represents a significant cost of manufacturing. PMF provides contract manufacturing services with an emphasis on flowforming, which is producing metal parts that are cylindrical, conical, or contoured with precise control of wall thicknesses. Customers include the aerospace and energy sectors as well as users of precision pressure vessels.

Suburban Testing Laboratories, Inc., Reading - $3,500
With Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center, define current and future facility requirements for the installation of a new, centralized walk-in incubator room to service departments within Suburban Testing's facility. Suburban provides environmental, product, and water testing and analyses for industry and municipalities.