Custom Solution Manufacturing Consultants
Manufacturers Resource Center - "Manufacturing Success" provides assistance in all aspects of manufacturing - from operations improvements to innovation, technology, sustainability, finance, sales & marketing, Lean training, and everything in between.
Keywords: MRC, Manufacturers Resource Center, Consultants, Innovation, Engineering, Lean, Six Sigma, Manufacturing, Manufacturer Training, Strategic Growth, business consultant, manufacturing grants, eastern pennsylvania, lehigh valley, Allentown, Bethlehm, Easton, Berks County, Carbon County, Schuylkill County
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
MRC has been in business since 1988, and we celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2013.
What is your primary product or service?
Strategic business consulting assistance that helps manufacturers create and retain jobs, increase profits, cut costs and improve competitiveness.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
MRC is one of seven other Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Centers (IRCs) that Governor Casey created in 1988 as non-profits to serve manufacturers to keep them competitive and to facilitate tech transfer. In 1993 MRC also became a part of a national network of manufacturing extension centers known as NIST-MEP (National Institute of Standards and Technology - Manufacturing Extension Partnership).
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
MRC is a member of the IRC Network and NIST-MEP so we have regional focus with statewide and national cooperation. Additionally we connect manufacturers with government and trade associations, universities and research laboratories, and a host of other public and private resources to help them realize individual goals.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
MRC serves Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Carbon & Schuylkill counties. MRC headquarters in Allentown, PA, and we have outreach in Berks and County, as well
Provide detailed directions to your location
MRC is easily accessible off of Route 22, Allentown. Take Airport Road North to Postal Road. Turn left on Marcon Boulevard and we are on the right hand corner in the Hanover Office Plaza at 961 Marcon Boulevard, Suite 200, Allentown, PA 18109. Our phone number is 610-628-4640.
What type of payments do you accept?
Working with MRC is cost effective. Terms are flexible and we also have a low cost loan program to fund projects with MRC.
Which areas do you service?
Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Carbon & Schuylkill counties
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
MRC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lehigh University. Since 2005, Jack E. Pfunder, President & CEO, has been responsible for guiding MRC's vision and strategic direction, as well as managing the organization's day-to-day activities and operations. Prior to coming to MRC, Jack served as Chairman and CEO of Anti-Motion, Inc., a Bethlehem-based business based on patented technologies using fiber optics to produce lighting animated displays. Jack has also served as president of CEO of Microcom, Inc., a $25 million, 300-employee defense contractor, director of operations at Loral Corp., and Co-founder/Vice President of operations/general manager of Remec, Inc., a San Diego-based electronic-microwave RF component developer.
What are your hours of operation?
Hours of Operations are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
The most rewarding compliment we received is from a manufacturer that stated, "without MRC their company would not be here today."
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
One of our favorites is Proverbs 15.22 - Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Contact MANUFACTURERS RESOURCE CENTER:
