A Clinton Township company has received a $68,000 Manufacturing PA grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

II-VI, which manufactures engineered materials and optoelectronic components for the industrial, optical, communications, aerospace and defense, and other markets, will collaborate with the University of Pittsburgh and its students in developing an advanced laser project that will impact the ultrafast laser manufacturing of 3D photonic devices, according to a news release from the DCED.

“Manufacturing PA allows for collaboration between incredible minds and incredible manufacturing companies,” said Dennis Davin, DCED secretary. “These partnerships engage Pennsylvania's educational facilities and the business sector across the commonwealth to position our state for continued manufacturing innovation and success.”

More than $2.8 million in Manufacturing PA grants will fund 43 projects across the state.

Gov. Tom Wolf's Manufacturing PA initiative ensures that training leads not simply to any job, but to careers that provide higher pay and opportunities for advancement, according to the news release.