Ben Franklin Technology Partners invests in Berks companies

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania recently announced that it will invest $65,000 in three Berks County companies. Overall, the Bethlehem-based agency is investing $495,000 in support of regional economic development.

Eleven companies from BFTP/NEP’s 21-county service area received funding. Investments identified as a continuation project indicates that the client achieved pre-determined milestones and is receiving more funding to accomplish additional project work.

For the Berks companies, Ben Franklin will provides matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based innovation in established manufacturers.

Heyco Metals Inc., Bern Township, will receive a $25,000 investment to implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to improve supply chain and customer service, and support growth. Heyco Metals is a precision mill that manufactures high-quality, thin-gauge, copper, copper alloy, and stainless-steel strip products to exacting specifications for the automotive, aerospace, connector, and consumer electronics industries. Heyco’s university partner is Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute

Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd., Tilden Township, will receive a $15,000 investment to develop a plant layout for a new facility, and an overall manufacturing site master plan to increase capacity and optimize production. Joe Jurgielewicz & Son is a duck production operation that supplies restaurants, food services, and institutions in the U.S. The firm is vertically integrated from breeding to delivery and employs environmentally friendly, sustainable farming practices. The company’s university partner is Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute.

S&W Metal Products LLC, Colebrookdale Township, will receive a $25,000 investment to model the existing production facility to optimize process flows and accommodate the acquisition of new equipment. Develop a strategic facility master plan in support of the company’s long-term growth objectives. S&W Metal Products is a full-service sheet metal fabrication shop, manufacturing a wide range of recurring and custom precision-engineered products. The company’s university partner is Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute.

Source: Berkshire mont