$10 Million Investment to Expand Conair Manufacturing Operations
Franklin, PA – A longtime local manufacturer is expanding its footprint in Venango County, bringing new jobs and breathing life back into a vacant industrial site. On October 19, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Conair, part of Piovan Group North America, will invest $9.75 million to grow its manufacturing operations in Franklin. The Commonwealth is supporting the project with $845,000 in funding.
Pennsylvania successfully competed against other states, including Michigan and Virginia, to secure the expansion. For a community with deep manufacturing roots, the news marks a meaningful step forward for workers and the local economy.
Conair’s primary facility at 455 Allegheny Boulevard in Franklin has reached capacity and can no longer support planned growth. The company will lease a 157,760-square-foot building at 325 Buffalo Street—the former Joy Manufacturing site that has stood empty since operations ceased in 2017. The Allegheny Boulevard plant will continue assembling Conair products, while the Buffalo Street location will add fabrication, machining, and powder coating capabilities. Fabrication work is expected to begin in early 2027, with operations expanding in phases through 2028.
“This investment will breathe new life into a site that has sat vacant for almost a decade, creating new opportunities for workers, and strengthening the economic foundation of Venango County and the surrounding region,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting projects that bring new investment to rural Pennsylvania, build on our manufacturing strengths, and help communities turn underutilized assets into engines of economic growth.”
The state support includes an $805,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $40,000 WEDNetPA grant to train workers, coordinated through the Governor’s BusinessPA team.
Conair has been a steady presence in Franklin for more than 70 years. Founded in the city in 1956, the company manufactures auxiliary equipment and systems for plastics processors—products that help manufacturers dry, convey, blend, and process materials efficiently. It operates as part of Piovan Group North America, itself part of the Italy-based Piovan Group, a global leader in industrial automation systems.
“Conair has been manufacturing in Franklin for more than 70 years, and this expansion reflects our commitment to our employees, our customers, and this community,” said Jon Lashley, Executive Vice President of The Conair Group. “Adding fabrication, machining, and powder coating capabilities will give us greater control over quality and lead times and help us respond more quickly to our customers’ needs. We appreciate the Commonwealth’s support as we invest in Conair’s future and create new opportunities in Franklin.”
The project includes building renovations and new equipment such as automated laser systems for sheet metal and tube cutting, welding cells, CNC machining centers, and powder coating systems. Company leaders say bringing more of this work in-house will strengthen the supply chain, support higher production volumes, and allow faster introduction of new products. Existing fabrication staff will transition to the new site once renovations are complete. Outside suppliers will continue to play an important role as demand grows.
Hiring is already underway for maintenance, laser, and powder coating technician roles, with additional openings expected in welding, fabrication, machining, equipment operation, and related fields as the operation develops. For many in Venango County, these positions represent stable, skilled manufacturing work close to home.
Governor Shapiro highlighted the broader significance for rural communities. “Pennsylvania’s manufacturing strength extends far beyond our biggest cities. Securing investments from companies like Conair proves we can attract good-paying jobs and real opportunities in both our urban and rural communities,” he said. “This is a big deal for Venango County… We’re focused on building an economy that works for every Pennsylvanian.”
The expansion aligns with the Commonwealth’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, which identifies manufacturing as a key industry for growth and job creation across the state. Local economic development partners and Venango County officials also played a role in advancing the project.
Speaking for the Venango County Commissioners, Sam Breene commented, “This is a huge win for Venango County, that is, having a legacy employer reinvest and expand their company in our City/County! Over the last few months Commissioners Ken Bryan, Tim Heffernan and I, along with the Venango County Economic Development Authority worked with the Franklin School District and the City of Franklin to put together a package for Conair to make it happen. This investment by Conair will bring over 126 new jobs to Venango County while keeping hundreds more here.”
Breene continued, “When Joy Plant 1 was left empty it was a blow to our county economically and psychologically. Combined with two other manufacturers that are already tenants, the old Joy Plant 1 will be thriving once again! We didn’t take this lightly, as there was plenty of competition from the state of Michigan, Virginia and even the city of Pittsburgh.”
For Franklin and the surrounding area, the news carries practical benefits: more good-paying jobs, reinvestment in a long-idle industrial property, and a clear signal that a company with deep local roots is choosing to grow here. As fabrication begins next year and the full range of capabilities comes online through 2028, the new facility is expected to support both Conair’s customers and the families who call Venango County home.
Conair’s continued presence and this latest investment reinforce a simple truth for the community—manufacturing still has a strong future in Franklin.
