Two Penn State researchers who recently completed an analysis of the plastics manufacturing industry will discuss the implications of their findings at a breakfast seminar at Penn State Hazleton from 8 to 10 a.m., Fri., May 2, in the conference room 103 of the Charles T. Butler Teaching and Learning Resource Center. There is a $20 registration fee.

Sponsored by Penn State Hazleton Continuing Education and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), the event will feature Rose Baker, program manager of Penn State’s Economic and Workforce Analysis Initiative, and David Passmore, director of Penn State’s Institute for Research in Training and Development. The report, “Forecast of Employment and Job Openings in Pennsylvania Plastics Manufacturing, 2004–2017,” was funded through a contract between the Pennsylvania Plastics Initiative and the Employment and Training Administration of the US Department of Labor. An online copy of the report is available at http://paplasticsjobs.notlong.com/.

According to Debra Conway, assistant director of Continuing Education at Penn State Hazleton, “There are more than 3,300 plastics manufacturing jobs in the region. Penn State’s report about the future of Pennsylvania plastics manufacturing has rich implications for the health of the area’s economy.” Plastics manufacturing is a productive and growing industry in Pennsylvania, but must face a number of threats if it is to maintain its growth and stability.

Baker said, “Output and productivity of the Pennsylvania plastics industry are likely to grow. As with all manufacturing in Pennsylvania and in the entire country, global competition and the need to reduce production costs will continue to affect plastics industry employment.” Passmore added, “There is constant pressure on the industry to stay competitive.” As an example, he noted that China’s low labor costs and undervalued currency allow its plastics manufacturers to operate at relatively low profit margins. These factors could allow China to increase its penetration of U.S. markets. Baker and Passmore will also discuss the affects of future U.S. policies and legislation, exports, increased competition, business-to-business sales, and other potential problems and opportunities.

To make a reservation or for information about this seminar and continuing education opportunities at Penn State Hazleton, contact Debra Conway at (570) 450-3136 or e-mail dxk40@psu.edu.