'Jobs That Pay' tour visits MECCO
A growing Cranberry Township industrial company hosted visiting dignitaries from the state government Thursday, showcasing the firm's rapid expansion and dedication to innovation and community involvement.
State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, and Dennis Davin, Department of Community and Economic Development secretary, continued the “Jobs that Pay” tour at MECCO, an industrial product marking company.
Davin discussed Gov. Tom Wolf's commitment to promoting an entrepreneurial business environment, advancing technological innovation and creating a technology-ready work force.
“(MECCO) was one of the successful companies that has grown and utilized these resources to a great degree,” Davin said.
The company has grown its 10-person team fourfold over the last decade, building a portfolio of customers, including Ford and Gillette, said Dave Sweet, MECCO president.
As he led the tour, Sweet explained how flexibility has helped his company flourish.
“A lot of our competitors just want to sell a laser in a box,” he said. “We work with our customers ... MECCO designs the machine that they want.”
That means working with customers to design custom products to suit their needs, making use of expertise in robotics, production, custom software and more.
“Our Japanese competitors only focus on the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) market,” Sweet said. As the business has grown, it has expanded, both physically and in terms of personnel and experience. “Everything is here. We do all the manufacturing out back,” he said.
As Sweet showcased the numerous lasers and manufacturing machines his company uses, he explained how his company tries to buy what it needs from local businesses.
“I would say at least 50 percent (locally sourced parts),” Sweet said. “We work with local companies on designing the machines as well.”
MECCO also works with local schools and universities to grow its work force. “We've had tremendous success with Robert Morris University and Penn State,” Sweet said.
There, MECCO finds many of its interns, employees and consulting experts. MECCO has businesses all around the world and is continuing to grow.
“We are certainly interested in your efficiency and profitability,” Hutchinson said. “It's exciting to see that.”
The tour is an effort by state agencies to promote good-paying, family sustaining jobs and career paths in Pennsylvania.
