Press release submitted on behalf of Conair.
Second location will add fabrication, machining, and powder coating capacity, with 126 new jobs expected over three years
The Conair Group, part of PiovanGroup, is investing $10 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Franklin, Pennsylvania, adding a second location for fabrication, machining, and powder coating to support its plastics auxiliary equipment business.
The company has leased 157,760 square feet at 325 Buffalo Street in Franklin. The expansion will provide space for additional manufacturing equipment and operations as Conair brings selected fabrication and machining work in-house to expand capacity, strengthen its supply chain, and respond more quickly to customer requirements.
Conair’s existing facility at 455 Allegheny Boulevard has reached capacity and will continue assembling Conair products. The additional location will accommodate expanded manufacturing capabilities. Conair’s corporate offices will remain in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
The investment includes building renovations and planned purchases of automated laser systems for sheet metal and tube cutting, welding cells, CNC machining centers, and powder coating equipment.
Fabrication, CNC machining, and powder coating operations are expected to begin at the new location in early 2027. The volume and range of parts produced in-house will increase in phases throughout 2027 and 2028, with work prioritized to support production needs and strengthen manufacturing capabilities. Conair’s current fabrication team will transition to the building once renovations are complete. The investment is intended to support higher production volumes, accelerate the introduction of new products, and shorten delivery times for existing equipment.
“Our customers count on Conair for technology that helps them produce higher-quality plastic parts, improve efficiency, and meet demanding production requirements,” said Jon Lashley, Executive Vice President of Conair. “This investment expands our capacity to deliver that technology, bring new products to market faster, and respond to customers’ needs—from shorter delivery times to custom solutions for their applications. It gives us the resources to support our customers as their businesses evolve.”
The additional capabilities will allow Conair to coordinate more component production with equipment assembly and customer schedules. Outside fabrication and machining suppliers will continue to play a vital role in supporting the company’s growth.
Lashley credited Rich Shaffer, Vice President of Vertical Integration, for his leadership and sustained efforts to expand Conair’s in-house manufacturing capabilities and develop the plan for the new operation.
“We plan to begin fabrication, CNC machining, and powder coating in early 2027, then bring additional parts into production in phases as equipment is installed and teams are trained,” said Rich Shaffer, Vice President of Vertical Integration. “This approach allows us to build capacity systematically and coordinate the new operation with our existing assembly facility.”
The project is expected to create 126 new jobs over the next three years. Conair is hiring for maintenance, laser, and powder coating technician positions. Additional opportunities are expected as the operation develops, including welding, fabrication, machining, equipment operation, and powder coating roles.
Coordinated by the Governor’s BusinessPA team, PiovanGroup North America (PGNA), which does business as Conair, received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through an $805,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $40,000 WEDnetPA grant to train workers.
“Our economic development strategy is about making sure businesses have the support they need to grow, innovate, and create opportunity in every corner of the state,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Conair also acknowledged the support of Venango County officials and local economic development partners in helping advance the Franklin expansion.
Founded in Franklin by John Reib in 1956, Conair is building on 70 years of manufacturing in the community. The expansion continues that history while adding the space, equipment, and capabilities needed to support its customers and future growth.
Conair operates within PiovanGroup North America (PGNA), part of Italy-based Piovan Group, a global leader in the design and manufacture of industrial automation systems for the storage, transport, and processing of polymers, plastic powders, and food ingredients.
About Conair
The Conair Group is the leading supplier of auxiliary equipment and systems for plastics processors in North America. The company manufactures more than 450 products, with solutions spanning resin drying, conveying, blending, feeding, heat transfer, size reduction, downstream extrusion, and bulk handling and storage. Its portfolio also includes connected equipment and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions for equipment monitoring and management. Backed by decades of application expertise and responsive service and support, Conair helps plastics manufacturers improve product quality, increase efficiency, and keep production running reliably.