Verne Inc. to build its first manufacturing facility in Lycoming County

The nearly US$4.5 million project will create at least 61 new, full-time jobs in Lycoming County and further cement Pennsylvania’s leadership in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The Commonwealth is investing more than US$1.27 million to support the project.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive and business-friendly, securing more than US$25.2 billion in private sector investments and nearly 11 000 new jobs. Through the Commonwealth’s first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, historic site development funding, and streamlined permitting and licensing, the Shapiro Administration is delivering real results and attracting cutting-edge companies like Verne.

“Pennsylvania is making strategic investments to grow our innovation, energy, and manufacturing industries, and Verne clearly recognised that our Commonwealth is competing again because they chose us over Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia for its first manufacturing facility in the country,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration is proud to win deal like this that strengthen our local communities, grow our manufacturing sector, and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation and job creation. We’re competing aggressively for private sector investment – and Pennsylvania is open for business.”

Verne developed a process to increase the density of hydrogen by storing the gas in a cold-and-compressed state, making it more efficient to transport in larger volumes. Scaling up to commercial operations, the company will manufacture hydrogen storage vessels at its new facility in the Marcellus Energy Park in Muncy, partnering with local manufacturers to leverage their expertise in critical processes. Verne’s storage and transportation vessels will help Pennsylvania expand its nation-leading energy sector, which includes an exceptionally strong natural gas industry.

To support the project, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided the company with a funding offer that includes a US$1 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a US$153 000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a US$122 000 WEDnetPA grant to help train its new employees. The company can also apply for Research and Development tax credits, which could provide additional benefits.

“This investment in Verne is another example of how the Shapiro Administration is diversifying our energy sector while fostering innovation and supporting the Commonwealth’s vital manufacturing industry,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “It also shows what Governor Shapiro’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy is achieving – firmly establishing Pennsylvania’s status as a leader in innovation, economic development, and job creation.”

Founded in San Francisco in 2020, Verne provides modern energy distribution solutions for sectors including construction, data centres, drilling, ports and more. Verne is supported by the US Department of Energy, the US Army, and many major companies across the country.

“After conducting a nationwide search, we determined that North Central Pennsylvania was the perfect place to establish our manufacturing footprint. The proximity to key partners in the region was a crucial factor, as it will allow Verne to leverage their expertise to optimise our supply chain and manufacturing processes,” commented Ted McKlveen, Verne Co-founder & CEO. “This facility will accelerate our impact in delivering energy to power critical industries that are currently not being served by our nation’s electricity grid.”

“We are pleased to see Verne locating their first manufacturing operation here in Lycoming County at the Marcellus Energy Park,” added Jason Fink, President and CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. “Lycoming County and Pennsylvania are the perfect fit for this hydrogen sector development. We not only have the natural resources but also the talent required from in-state colleges and universities to support and grow with them. This is yet another example of how the local and regional economic development organisations work together with BusinessPA to get things done in bringing new industry to Pennsylvania.”

“Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to see Verne, Inc. expanding at the Marcellus Energy Park, and we look forward to continuing our support of their growth there,” stated Josh Bradley, Regional Manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Their innovative approach to hydrogen storage aligns with our mission to support advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies that drive sustainable growth in Pennsylvania.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/14072025/verne-inc-to-build-its-first-manufacturing-facility-in-lycoming-county/