Dignitaries celebrate opening of Digital Foundry in New Kensington

Dignitaries gathered on Fifth Avenue in New Kensington on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a facility officials hope will serve as a regional hub for innovation, creative thinking, problem-solving, learning and collaboration.

With its energetic orange color and a sawtooth roof evoking the city’s industrial heritage, the key thing that the Digital Foundry at New Kensington will provide is opportunity, said Neil Weaver, acting secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

“Workforce development is a bigger issue than it has been in decades. Business needs workers to fill their open positions, but due to barriers including a lack of training, thousands of Pennsylvania jobs remain unfilled,” he said. “In order to solve our workforce challenges, we need bold, innovative new initiatives that help employers and prospective workers, that provide training at all skill levels, from basic to advanced, and one that serves those who are traditionally underserved. The Digital Foundry will do that and more.

“It’s critical because education and training in the digital landscape is one that will not just fill jobs for businesses, but also provide amazing careers for workers.”

A hands-on digital technology demonstration and learning lab, the Digital Foundry is a partnership among Penn State New Kensington, the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County, the city of New Kensington and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

Sherri McCleary, its executive director, said it will provide workforce training and education for students; offer technology assistance for local industry; and function as a venue for events, networking and seminars on the latest technology.

Penn State New Kensington Chancellor Kevin Snider said the Digital Foundry is the culmination of a big idea, true partnership and the dedication and hard work of many.

“Today’s more than just about an opening,” Snider said. “It’s about community, collaboration, creative thinking, innovation. It’s about respecting New Kensington’s rich history while also welcoming its new future.”

Work in a new age

Snider said the campus learned from business and industry partners including Siemens, Arconic and Kennametal that an evolving business environment required a technologically aware workforce.

“Manufacturing was in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, known as industry 4.0, which we sometimes refer to as the Digital Age,” he said. “We quickly realized that our students were not prepared. They needed digital skills and an innovative mindset that would help them navigate a working life that would be continually dominated by technology throughout their lives.

“Regardless of the industry or field they were in, they needed to be future-ready, and, because of our links to industry, we knew what that meant,” he said. “These conversations would lay groundwork for what would become the Digital Foundry at New Kensington.”

Important to Penn State’s mission

Penn State University President Neeli Bendapudi said the foundry is a huge step in support of the university’s mission.

“Like the city itself, our campus here is founded on innovation, critical thinking, collaboration,” she said. “And because of the university’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation … we are uniquely positioned to lead this overarching effort, to use education to make Pennsylvania stronger.”

Bendapudi thanked the foundry’s founding technology partners: Advanced Controls & Distribution, Banner Engineering, Ectobox, Premier Automation, Siemens USA and Trak Machine Tools.

“It all comes down to the partnerships we build with the business community,” she said. “Thank you for bringing the latest in digital manufacturing technologies to the Digital Foundry. We are truly partners, and we appreciate you.”

New Ken revitalization continues

New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo credited support from Penn State with sparking the city’s revitalization, through the “Better Block” events that showcased possibilities in the city’s downtownand the opening of The Corner Launchbox, an entrepreneur training center and co-working space.

The efforts caught the attention of business owners and entrepreneurs.

Guzzo said 63 new businesses have opened in New Kensington over the past 28 months and more are on the way.

“The city of New Kensington is looking forward to some of the best days that are in front of us,” he said. “With the Digital Foundry and the services being offered here, the city of New Kensington is in a position to be a city of innovation once again.”

The Digital Foundry will be open for a community open house from 5 to 8 p.m. June 24, during Fridays on Fifth.

The event will include interactive activities, music, a photo booth, light refreshments, giveaways and facility tours.