Alongside Governor Josh Shapiro, Verne Inc. (San Francisco, Calif.; ) announced that it will open its first manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The nearly $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 $1.27 million to support the project.
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 $1 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $153,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $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 centers, drilling, ports and more. Verne is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. 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 optimize our supply chain and manufacturing processes,” said 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,” said 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 organizations 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,” said 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.”