Local Manufacturers Thrive in Clarion County, Pennsylvania

Manufacturing plays a vital role in Clarion County's economy, providing quality employment opportunities, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the region's long-term economic vitality. As of 2024, more than 50 manufacturing firms operated in Clarion County, accounting for approximately 1,694 jobs.

Manufacturing represents 13.7% of total county employment, exceeding Pennsylvania's statewide average of 9.2%.

The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) recognizes the importance of supporting the county's existing manufacturers while creating opportunities for continued industrial investment and growth.

As part of its ongoing business retention and expansion efforts, CCEDC regularly engages with local employers to better understand their operations, identify opportunities and challenges, and connect businesses with resources that support long-term success.

During the summer and early fall of 2026, CCEDC partnered with representatives from Business PA to visit several manufacturing facilities and development properties throughout Clarion County. These visits provided opportunities to strengthen relationships with local businesses, discuss operational and expansion needs, and showcase the county's potential for continued industrial investment.

Participating Business PA representatives included:

• Michael O'Rourke, Managing Director, Business Retention and Expansion
• Michael Gerber, Deputy Marketing Director
• Erika Ramalho, Northwest Regional Director

Through partnerships with state economic development agencies, CCEDC works to connect local businesses with technical assistance, workforce development resources, financing opportunities, and other programs that can support business growth.

The visits also provided state officials with firsthand insight into Clarion County's manufacturing capabilities, business environment, and available industrial properties.

Supporting Clarion County's Manufacturers

Clarion County is home to a diverse manufacturing sector, with established strengths in wood products, modular housing, metal fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. Local businesses produce a wide range of products, including manufactured homes, building materials, commercial trailers, bathware, and specialized industrial components. These manufacturers support regional and national supply chains, serving industries and customers throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.

The following businesses represent a sample of the manufacturers contributing to Clarion County's economy and supporting its continued economic growth.

Car Mate Trailers

Located in Leeper, Pennsylvania, Car Mate Trailers has been part of the region's manufacturing community since 1982. Originally operating as Pennstyle Campers, the company evolved into a manufacturer of commercial and specialty trailers designed to meet the needs of contractors, tradespeople, and other customers.

Car Mate operates from a 55-acre campus near the intersection of State Routes 66 and 36. Its facilities support trailer manufacturing, finishing, and distribution, serving customers throughout the northeastern United States and beyond.

The company has entered a new chapter under the leadership of local business owners Josh Lesniak, Chad Nellis, and Chad Kiser. Their involvement represents an opportunity to build upon Car Mate's longstanding manufacturing legacy and pursue future growth.

As part of its business outreach efforts, CCEDC has engaged with Car Mate's leadership to better understand the company's priorities and identify resources that may support its continued success.

Car Mate demonstrates the importance of retaining established manufacturers and supporting the next generation of business leadership in Clarion County.

Clarion Bathware

Clarion Bathware has been a longstanding part of Clarion County's manufacturing sector since opening its doors in 1973.
Now part of the American Bath Group family, the company manufactures showers, bathtubs, and other bathware products serving residential and commercial markets.

Over more than five decades, Clarion Bathware has adapted to changing customer preferences, product innovations, and industry demands while maintaining its manufacturing presence in Pennsylvania.

The company's continued operations reflect the importance of established manufacturers to Clarion County's economy and the value of supporting businesses that provide employment and contribute to broader domestic supply chains.

Heeter Lumber

Heeter Lumber is a locally owned business serving homeowners, contractors, and commercial customers throughout Clarion County. With retail locations in Knox, New Bethlehem, Sligo, and Rimersburg, the company provides lumber, building materials, hardware, and construction-related services. Heeter Lumber also operates ready-mix concrete facilities in Sligo and New Bethlehem, supporting residential and commercial construction projects throughout the region.

Swartfager Welding

Based in Knox, Pennsylvania, Swartsfager Welding is a specialized industrial manufacturer serving the locomotive, mining, and energy industries.

As a Tier One original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier, the company provides heavy fabrication, precision machining, rework, and diesel engine recertification services.

Its capabilities support essential industrial equipment and infrastructure, including locomotives and other machinery used to transport goods and power major industries.

Swartsfager Welding demonstrates the specialized technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities available within Clarion County. Businesses like Swartsfager contribute to national industrial supply chains while supporting skilled manufacturing employment in rural Pennsylvania.

Positioning Clarion County for Future Industrial Investment

In addition to visiting existing manufacturers, CCEDC and Business PA representatives toured available industrial properties to explore opportunities for business attraction, expansion, and future investment.

Clarion County's location along Interstate 80, access to regional markets, and inventory of industrial development properties position the county to compete for new manufacturing and commercial development opportunities.

Two properties highlighted during the visits included Glassworks Business Park and Trinity Point at Monroe.

Glassworks Business Park

Glassworks Business Park is an approximately 68-acre brownfield redevelopment site located on the former Owens-Illinois Glass Plant property in Clarion Borough. The property represents an opportunity to transform a former industrial site into a location for new business investment and job creation.

The Clarion County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA), in partnership with private developer Miles Brothers LLC, secured approximately $5.29 million through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's (DCED) Business in Our Sites program in 2017 to support site preparation, infrastructure improvements, and environmental remediation.

In 2022, CCEDC secured an additional $96,006 through DCED's Industrial Sites Reuse Program to support environmental assessments and continued redevelopment efforts.

Glassworks demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in overcoming redevelopment challenges, revitalizing former industrial properties, and creating new economic growth opportunities in Clarion County.

Trinity Point at Monroe

Trinity Point at Monroe is a shovel-ready, mixed-use business park located in Monroe Township, Clarion County, with direct access to Interstate 80 at Exit 62.

Developed by Clarion Trinity Development Co., the property offers flexible development opportunities for manufacturing, distribution, commercial, healthcare, and other business operations.

The development features available parcels ranging from approximately 0.78 to 22 acres, supported by established infrastructure, including electric, natural gas, water, sewer, and high-speed fiber connectivity.

Trinity Point also benefits from a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) designation, offering qualifying businesses significant state and local tax incentives through 2034.

With its strategic interstate location, development-ready infrastructure, and available tax incentives, Trinity Point represents an attractive opportunity for businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in Clarion County.

Strengthening Partnerships and Supporting Long-Term Growth

Manufacturing remains a critical component of Clarion County's economic future. Supporting existing employers, encouraging business expansion, and attracting new industrial investment are central to CCEDC's economic development mission.

Relationships with organizations such as Business PA help strengthen these efforts by connecting local businesses with state-level expertise, programs, and resources.

These partnerships also provide opportunities to elevate Clarion County's visibility as a location for manufacturing investment and business growth.
CCEDC will continue working with manufacturers, community partners, property owners, and economic development organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support a competitive business environment.

Connect With CCEDC

Whether you're an established Clarion County manufacturer exploring expansion opportunities or a business considering a new location, CCEDC is ready to help.

Through business outreach, strategic partnerships, site-selection assistance, and connections to local and state resources, CCEDC supports business investment and long-term economic growth throughout Clarion County.

Contact the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation to learn more about available resources, development opportunities, and how we can support your business.

Visit www.clarioncountyedc.com.