Muncy, Pa. — Verne Inc., a California-based energy storage innovator, is planning to open its first manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
The $4.5-million project is expected to create 61 new, full-time jobs in Lycoming County. To support the project, the Commonwealth is investing over $1.27 million in loans and grants.
Co-founder David Jaramillo met with Gov. Josh Shapiro to announce plans for the new facility.
“Pennsylvania is making strategic investments to grow our innovation, energy, and manufacturing industries, and Verne clearly recognized that our Commonwealth is competing again because they chose us over Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia for its first manufacturing facility in the country,” said Gov. Shapiro. “My Administration is proud to win deal like this that strengthen our local communities, grow our manufacturing sector, and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation and job creation. We’re competing aggressively for private sector investment — and Pennsylvania is open for business.”
Verne developed an innovative new process to increase the density of hydrogen by storing the gas in a cold-and-compressed state, making it more efficient to transport in larger volumes. The company plans to manufacture hydrogen storage vessels at its new facility in the Marcellus Energy Park in Muncy, partnering with local manufacturers to take advantage of their expertise.
These hydrogen storage and transportation vessels will help Pa. expand its nationally-renowned energy sector, which includes an exceptional natural gas industry.
In support of the project, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offered Verne a $1 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan; a $153,000 Pennsylvania First grant; and a $122,000 WEDnetPA grant for employee training. The company may also apply for research and development tax credits.
“This investment in Verne is another example of how the Shapiro Administration is diversifying our energy sector while fostering innovation and supporting the Commonwealth’s vital manufacturing industry,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “It also shows what Governor Shapiro’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy is achieving — firmly establishing Pennsylvania’s status as a leader in innovation, economic development, and job creation.”
Verne Inc. was founded in San Francisco in 2020 and provides energy distribution solutions. The company is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, and many major companies across the country.
“After conducting a nationwide search, we determined that North Central Pennsylvania was the perfect place to establish our manufacturing footprint. The proximity to key partners in the region was a crucial factor, as it will allow Verne to leverage their expertise to optimize our supply chain and manufacturing processes,” said Ted McKlveen, Verne co-founder & CEO. “This facility will accelerate our impact in delivering energy to power critical industries that are currently not being served by our nation’s electricity grid.”
“We are pleased to see Verne locating their first manufacturing operation here in Lycoming County at the Marcellus Energy Park,” said Jason Fink, president and CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. “Lycoming County and Pennsylvania are the perfect fit for this hydrogen sector development. We not only have the natural resources but also the talent required from in-state colleges and universities to support and grow with them. This is yet another example of how the local and regional economic development organizations work together with BusinessPA to get things done in bringing new industry to Pennsylvania.”
“Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to see Verne, Inc. expanding at the Marcellus Energy Park, and we look forward to continuing our support of their growth there,” said Josh Bradley, regional manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Their innovative approach to hydrogen storage aligns with our mission to support advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies that drive sustainable growth in Pennsylvania.”
This project was coordinated by the Governor’s BusinessPA team, a group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pa. through guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources.