Ben Franklin to Invest $110,000 in Established Manufacturers

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Oct. 31, 2016 - PRLog -- The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (http://nep.benfranklin.org/)'s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $671,000 in support of regional economic development. BFTP/NEP's goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, Ben Franklin staff concentrate their efforts on three key areas:

• developing and growing early-stage technology-oriented companies,
2. helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and 3. business practices to achieve industry leadership, and
promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to create 16,986 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and to retain 23,761 existing jobs, to start 482 new companies, and to develop 1,433 new products and processes. BFTP/NEP clients have generated $1.424 billion in follow-on funding since 2007. The work of the Pennsylvania Ben Franklin Technology Partners network has generated $3.60 of additional state tax revenue for every $1.00 invested in the program.Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

BFTP/NEP owns, manages, and is headquartered in Ben Franklin TechVentures (http://nep.benfranklin.org/incubator-network/ben-franklin...)®, an award-winning business incubator/post-incubator facility on Lehigh University's campus in Bethlehem, PA. BFTP/NEP also manages the Bloomsburg Regional Technology Center (http://nep.benfranklin.org/incubator-network/bloomsburg-r...) in Bloomsburg.

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

ABEC, Inc., (www.abec.com) Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin Investment: $10,000
University Partner: Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center
Optimize purchasing and inventory processes at this provider of engineering, equipment, and related services to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. ABEC manufactures bioreactors and related process equipment used by biopharmaceutical companies around the world. These supply chain enhancements will help ABEC respond to customers' higher volume and shorter lead time requirements.

Bio Med Sciences, Inc. (http://www.silon.com/), (www.silon.com) Allentown, Lehigh County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000
University Partner: Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center
Complete implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system at this producer of innovative and specialized materials for burn and wound care, and aesthetic skin care. Expected growth over the next three to five years necessitates a robust information technology system to improve operational efficiency, provide scalability and flexibility of operation, and meet customers' demands.

East Penn Manufacturing (http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/) Company, (www.eastpenn-deka.com) Lyon Station, Berks County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000
College Partner: Northampton Community College's Emerging Technology Applications Center
Develop a complete analysis of recycling considerations at East Penn, especially as it relates to the growing need for new battery technology due to the growth in the hybrid electric vehicle market and other alternative energy uses. East Penn is a leading manufacturer and recycler of advanced lead-acid battery products, and the largest manufacturing employer in Berks County.

InterMetro Industries Corporation (http://www.intermetro.com/) (www.intermetro.com) Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000
University Partner: Pennsylvania State University
Analyze and improve coating adhesion, thickness, uniformity, and durability for this manufacturer of wire rack shelving products. Optimize the manufacturing process to increase performance and reduce corrosion.

Simplex Homes, Inc. (http://www.simplexhomes.com/) (www.simplexhomes.com) Scranton, Lackawanna County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000
University Partner: Lehigh University's Enterprise Systems Center
Fully integrate AutoCAD 3D architecture and finalize the implementation plan to transform two plants into one for production and the other for finishing, improving production processes and increasing throughput. Simplex is a manufacturer of high-quality modular residences and is positioning itself as an industry-leading builder of energy efficient homes. The company built a prototype Net Zero house that is both environmentally friendly and economically prudent for homeowners.