Conair Adds Powder Coating in $9.75 Million Expansion
Conair will add powder coating, fabrication and machining capacity through a manufacturing expansion in Franklin, Pennsylvania. The state’s Oct. 19 announcement lists a $9.75 million investment; Conair describes the overall project as a $10 million expansion. Neither figure represents spending on powder coating alone.
Second Site Adds In-House Capabilities
Conair’s existing plant at 455 Allegheny Boulevard has reached capacity and will continue assembling products. The company has leased a second building at 325 Buffalo Street, formerly occupied by Joy Manufacturing.
In a company-issued announcement, Conair said the investment includes building renovations, automated laser systems for sheet metal and tube cutting, welding cells, CNC machining centers and powder-coating equipment. The additional capabilities will bring selected component production in-house while supporting coordination with assembly and customer schedules. Outside fabrication and machining suppliers will continue supporting the business.
The company expects fabrication, CNC machining and powder coating to begin in early 2027, with the volume and range of internally produced parts increasing in phases through 2028. Its existing fabrication team will move to the building after renovations.
“This approach allows us to build capacity systematically and coordinate the new operation with our existing assembly facility,” said Rich Shaffer, vice president of vertical integration.
State Support and Workforce Development
Pennsylvania’s announcement outlined an $845,000 funding proposal for the project: an $805,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $40,000 WEDNetPA workforce-training grant. The proposal was coordinated through the Governor’s BusinessPA team for Piovan Group North America, which operates Conair.
Conair supplies auxiliary equipment and systems for plastics processors, including resin dryers, blenders, feeders, conveying systems, temperature-control units and granulators. Its customers operate in markets including packaging, automotive, medical devices and electronics.
Sources: Conair, Pennsylvania Government, Plastics Business
The expansion adds powder-coating capacity within an equipment manufacturer’s broader production operation. Follow PCI’s powder coatings coverage for related materials, technology and manufacturing developments.
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