ERIE — The Manufacturer & Business Association has merged its operations and membership with SMC Business Councils, headquartered in Cranberry Township.

SMC’s mission for the past 70 years has been to provide its members with networking, human resource, insurance and legislative support.

The merger went into effect last month. For MBA, the merger adds 400 new member employers in the Pittsburgh area.

The association now has three locations: Cranberry Township, Erie and Harrisburg, and the association also intends to retain the services of SMC’s seven-person team in its Cranberry and Harrisburg offices.

The locations provide members with regionally recognized training, human resources and legal, legislative and insurance services, plus its discount logistics program and energy solutions provider, EnergyAdvisors.

“It is an exciting time to be a member of the MBA,” said Dave Carlson, chairman of the SMC Business Councils Board. “The merger is a win-win for our members and both organizations as we are poised now, more than ever before, to provide the services that our employers need to succeed.”

John Krahe, president and CEO of the MBA, said the association brings in a valuable piece to add more value to their services.

“We are excited about bringing the MBA’s value-added services to assist employers throughout the Pittsburgh region,” Krahe said. “This new consolidation will only serve to expand the association’s regional footprint and give us new opportunities to grow our services and offerings throughout the state,” said Mark Rose, chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association board of governors.