What Manufacturers Resource Center does

Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) is a Pennsylvania-based manufacturing extension service provider founded in the late 1980s and headquartered in Allentown (Fogelsville). It serves small and mid-sized manufacturers across Eastern Pennsylvania — including Lehigh Valley, Berks, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties — through a combined training, consulting, and peer-networking platform. MRC delivers seven core training tracks (Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Maintenance, Six Sigma, Smart Manufacturing, Industry-specific, and Sales) using public open-enrollment courses, customized on-site engagements, and a virtual Zoom channel, supported by a dedicated Smart Manufacturing Resource Center and a Lean Manufacturing Factory Simulation built around a Toyota Land Cruiser production line.

MRC generates revenue from fee-for-service training and certification (with programs such as the Manufacturing Leadership Institute priced at approximately $5,500–$6,000 per seat), project-based on-site consulting in automation, lean transformation, market intelligence, and strategic coaching, and grant or partnership-funded workforce development initiatives. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and operates in a nonprofit-like extension model, verified by economic impact studies conducted by Fors Marsh Group and validated by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Staff collectively claim 100+ years of manufacturing experience, supplemented by partners including Lehigh University, PMTraining, and former Toyota General Manager Mike Hoseus.

MRC's customer base spans mid-market plastics, building materials, and industrial manufacturers, with named logos including Lehigh Valley Plastics, Brentwood Industries, MI Windows and Doors, Bracalente Manufacturing, Rhetech, and Ashland Technologies. The organization layers peer forums (CEO, CFO, HR, Smart Manufacturing) and branded workforce programs (What's So Cool About Manufacturing, PA Dream Team, Inside Manufacturing Series, Manufacturing Day) over its training and consulting core, positioning itself as a one-stop extension partner for manufacturers lacking internal training and continuous-improvement resources.

Name

Manufacturers Resource Center

Legal name

Manufacturers Resource Center

Website

https://mrcpa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Manufacturers Resource Center is an Allentown, Pennsylvania-based manufacturing extension provider delivering lean, leadership, maintenance, Six Sigma, smart manufacturing, and industry training alongside consulting and peer forums to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Manufacturing Extension Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

akta.pro primary industry

Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE) (EDAAALAM), Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

Keywords

• Manufacturing training programs
• Lean manufacturing consulting
• Six sigma certification
• Workforce development services
• Leadership development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Allentown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Training and Certification Programs: MRC generates revenue through fee-for-service training and certification courses offered to manufacturers. Programs include Six Sigma (Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt), Lean (Foundations, Master Certification), Leadership (Supervisor Boot Camp, Manufacturing Leadership Institute), Maintenance, Smart Manufacturing, and Industry-specific training. Courses are priced individually with standard and early registration rates available.
2. Customized On-Site Solutions: MRC provides tailored consulting and training solutions delivered directly at client manufacturing facilities. These engagements address specific business challenges including automation, lean transformation, leadership development, and organizational change. Revenue is generated through consulting engagements, project-based work, and specialized training programs.
3. Workforce Initiatives and Programs: MRC operates workforce development programs including What's So Cool About Manufacturing, PA Dream Team, Inside Manufacturing Series, and Manufacturing Day. While these programs serve the broader manufacturing community, they may be funded through grants and partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) delivers training programs, professional certifications, and on-site consulting solutions to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Eastern Pennsylvania. Core offerings span six training tracks (Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Maintenance, Six Sigma, Smart Manufacturing, and Industry-specific skills) plus customized consulting in automation, lean coaching, market intelligence, and strategic coaching.

Product overview

Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) is a manufacturing extension service provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of training programs, consulting services, and peer networks designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers improve competitiveness and operational excellence. The company's offerings are organized into six core training tracks (Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Maintenance, Six Sigma, Smart Manufacturing, and Industry-specific skills), supplemented by on-site consulting solutions (Automation Technology, Lean Coaching, Market Intelligence, Strategic Coaching), workforce development initiatives, and peer forums. MRC operates as a service-based organization rather than a software product company, delivering hands-on training programs, certifications, and consulting engagement to Pennsylvania manufacturers for over 35 years.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• What's So Cool About Manufacturing: Workforce initiative program showcasing manufacturing careers to students
• PA Dream Team
• Inside Manufacturing Series
• Manufacturing Day

Products and services

• Leadership Training & Certifications Comprehensive leadership development programs for manufacturing professionals from supervisory to executive levels, including Supervisor Boot Camp, Leading Leaders, Manufacturing Leadership Institute, and various leadership skills training.
• Lean Manufacturing Training & Certifications Lean training programs including 5S Workplace Organization, Foundations of Lean, Introduction to Lean Manufacturing, Lean Master Certification, and process mapping to eliminate waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Maintenance Training & Certifications Maintenance training programs including Maintenance Master Certification, Maintenance Excellence, Fundamentals of Maintenance Management, PM and PdM, Planning & Scheduling, Troubleshooting, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Six Sigma Certification Programs Six Sigma certification programs at Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt levels, and Design for Six Sigma, emphasizing practical project implementation.
• Smart Manufacturing Training Technology-focused training covering AI Essentials, Automation Essentials, and Smart Manufacturing Forum to help manufacturers implement automation and AI technologies.
• Industry Training & Certifications Industry-specific training including Blueprint Reading, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), HACCP, ISO Certification, OSHA Training, and Workplace Safety programs.
• Automation and Manufacturing Technology Solutions On-site consulting solutions for automation implementation, including Automation Onboarding, Project Planning, and Technology and Vendor Selection to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Lean Coaching and Facilitation Expert coaching and facilitation services to guide manufacturers through Lean transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strategic Coaching Solutions Executive and strategic coaching services addressing business challenges, organizational transformation, and strategic growth planning.
• Market Intelligence Solutions Strategic market intelligence services to help manufacturers understand markets, competitors, and growth opportunities.
• CEO Forum Peer forum for CEOs to collaborate, share insights, and address challenges facing their organizations through interactive discussion and best practice sharing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5% revenue boost and 10% production capacity increase (Lehigh Valley Plastics)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lehigh UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006MRC partnered with Lehigh University in 2006 to establish the Manufacturing Leadership Institute (MLI), a top-line certificate program educating regional leaders in Strategic Leadership. The partnership combines academic rigor with practical manufacturing expertise, with over 400 participants graduating from the program. Lehigh provides academic credibility while MRC delivers industry-relevant curriculum.
• PMTrainingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMRC partners with PMTraining to deliver live virtual PMP (Project Management Professional) exam prep classes taught by certified instructors. PMTraining provides curriculum and examination expertise while MRC facilitates delivery and access to its manufacturing community. Courses offered in multiple formats (6-week, 2-week, 5-day intensive) to accommodate different schedules.
• Mike HoseuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMike Hoseus, former General Manager at Toyota, delivers MRC's Lean Master Certification program. Co-author of 'Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way,' Mike brings authentic Toyota methodology and leadership experience. Also guides the annual Japan Operational Excellence Benchmarking Experience (Kentucky Lean Tour/Gemba visits).
• CCI ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCI Consulting provides HR operational expertise and facilitation for MRC's HR Forum peer group for manufacturing HR professionals. Brings technical HR knowledge and perspective with application to real-world manufacturing scenarios.
• Ogletree DeakinsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOgletree Deakins, a labor and employment law firm, partners with MRC to provide legal and regulatory expertise for the HR Forum. Offers legislative updates and compliance guidance relevant to manufacturing HR leaders.
• Fors Marsh GroupminorOthersIndependent research firm that conducted client survey to gather engagement impact data for MRC. Survey data (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023) verified by U.S. Department of Commerce, demonstrating economic impact including jobs created/retained, investment, and sales metrics.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• TBM Consulting Group: Global lean operations and manufacturing consulting firm offering lean transformation, Six Sigma, and leadership programs to manufacturers—comparable in lean methodology delivery and customer segment, but at larger enterprise scale.
• New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP): State-wide MEP network providing training, consulting, and growth services to small/mid-sized New York manufacturers—highly comparable MEP-style delivery model and customer focus, just in a neighboring state.
• GBMP (Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership): Nonprofit MEP affiliate delivering lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence training and consulting to small/mid-sized manufacturers in New England—overlapping training portfolio, certification focus, and customer profile.
• Catalyst Connection: Pennsylvania-based Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) serving southwestern PA manufacturers with consulting, training, and workforce development—directly comparable mission, funding model, and customer base to MRC in Eastern PA.

Emerging players

• Pinnacle Solutions Group: Lean/Six Sigma and operational excellence consultancy serving industrial clients with training and certification programs—overlapping offering set focused on continuous improvement enablement for manufacturers.

Broad incumbents

• Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI): Established lean-thinking education and certification body offering Lean Bronze/Silver/Gold certifications and learning events—broader and more nationally recognized lean education provider, competing for the same transformation-training wallet.
• Shingo Institute: Operationally focused institute affiliated with Utah State University delivering Shingo Lean Six Sigma certification and conferences—comparable in operational excellence credentialing and lean methodology, with stronger academic brand.

Regional players

• Ohio Manufacturers' Association: Ohio-based industry association delivering training, workforce development, and peer networks to member manufacturers—highly comparable member-services, workforce, and leadership training model in an adjacent manufacturing state.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MRCMEP
• Facebookfacebook.com/MRCMEP
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/manufactures-resource-center-mrc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Manufacturers Resource Center