YoCo and Beyond | Fall 2023

YoCo and Beyond

International Influences from Local Operations

05

HEAR FROM US

A message from Kevin Schreiber

06 WORLD CUP, JOHNSON & JOHNSON, AND MORE: How Johnson Controls Innovates Worldwide

10 ACCELERATING THE WORLD’S TRANSITION

How YoCo Based Joseph Machine Company Linked Up with Tesla, Pella, and More

12 MADE IN YORK, COVERING THE GLOBE

The Evolution of York Wallcoverings into an International Company

16

20

ABOVE:

The creative and innovative staff behind Precision Custom Components supports the manufacturer’s critical work such as defense and energy.

BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Harley-Davidson: A Cultural Phenomenon Ignited by Creativity and Innovation

18 YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS

L2 Brands: From Montana Wilderness to the Dalai Lama, How Brothers Launched a Legacy

20 LOCAL MANUFACTURER CREATES CRITICAL COMPONENTS FOR THE COUNTRY

Precision Custom Components and Their Dedication to Community and Beyond

22 EVENTS

CREDITS

View the digital version of YoCo Connect online at Issuu.com/YoCoConnect

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Copyright © 2023 York County Economic Alliance. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of the York County Economic Alliance.

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York, PA 17401

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Casey Nixon | cnixon@yceapa.org

We love YoCo. We live here, work here, play here, invest here, grow here.

In the aisle of a grocery store, you may pass a YoCo business executive who is an international leader within their trade. On a drive along a random road in York County, it is very possible you’ll pass a building that within its walls, work is being conducted that is changing the global commerce.

Somewhere on the other side of the world, a wallcovering manufactured in York City adorns a wall, or the U.S. Navy protecting our waters is dependent upon parts that were customized here in YoCo

Those stories are not anomalies in York County. In fact, this issue highlights only a few of the uniquely York stories

of work performed here, making an international impact. Enjoy these snippets of York companies with Tesla partnerships, YoCo-made baseball caps worn by the Dalai Lama, and global brand icons like Harley-Davidson, and Johnson Controls

These companies, along with thousands more, are exchanging goods and services locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally, and all call York County home. Our enterprising and entrepreneurial community culture is driven by businesses and their leaders investing in operational growth, attracting, and developing a talented and creative workforce, to Make Things Happen while Having It Made Here in YoCo.

KEVIN SCHREIBER President and CEO, YCEA

World Cup, Johnson & Johnson, and More:

How Johnson Controls Innovates Worldwide

BY CASEY NIXON DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

There are many facets of Johnson Controls (JCI) but one thing stands out: The passion of JCI’s team to better the communities they serve. This passion goes beyond making HVAC units; it saves lives, educates our youth, nourishes bodies, creates a sense of belonging, and so much more. From hospitals and universities to stadiums and food production facilities, JCI products enable industries around the globe to help people.

Unique to JCI facilities around the country is their manufacturing facility right here in York County which creates products for industries and communities worldwide.

Of JCI’s locations in more than 150 countries, three of these facilities are in YoCo and employ more than 1,000 people JCI’s involvement in the community began with the acquisition of York International in 2005, originally called York Manufacturing Company York International’s original machine shop, which opened in 1874, started as an ice making business and became the industry leader in air-conditioning and refrigeration.

“The YORK chiller and air handling products were born in York, PA and although the YORK brand has expanded to become a global product offering, much of what influences the innovation of the brand is based on what is still happening here in York,” says Joe Emrich, Market General Manager - Central PA.

This innovation and its offerings were highlighted at the 2022 World Cup, which won JCI the Blueprint of the Future Award JCI technology was able to generate

“The YORK chiller and air handling products were born in York, PA and although the YORK brand has expanded to become a global product offering, much of what influences the innovation of the brand is based on what is still happening here in York.”

~Joe Emrich, Market General Manager - Central PA

JCI’s approach to many projects is more than simply installing HVAC systems. Their team considers the size and use of a space to install control systems that will regulate a building’s temperature when in use for energy efficiency. Emrich shared, “JCI is investing heavily in driving intelligent building solutions. Leveraging cutting edge equipment, evolving controls, and cloud analytics, JCI is able to provide an end-to-end solution for customers looking to drive sustainability, asset reliability, and occupant wellbeing by optimizing assets with AI algorithms to reduce carbon footprint and the total cost of facility operations.”

YoCo CLIENTS: York College, UPMC York Memorial Hospital, WellSpan York Hospital, the City of York, and Harley-Davidson

NATIONAL AND GLOBAL CLIENTS: Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, HCA Healthcare, Hershey Foods, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn State Health, UPMC, WellSpan Health, and Geisinger

Product innovation isn’t the only driver of JCI’s work. The JCI team has made a commitment to re-invest in communities through the support of various charitable organizations which focus on youth, education, diversity, and the workforce. In 2023, JCI will commit $400,000 for scholarships and instruction support for Harrisburg Area Community College and PA College of Technology 631 S. Richland Ave,York, PA 17405 johnsoncontrols.com

Accelerating The World's Transition

How YoCo based Joseph Machine Company linked up with Tesla, Pella, and more

Q: For those that don’t know, who is Joseph Machine Company & how did you get started in York County?

BY KATIE MAHONEY | CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Joseph Machine Company is a manufacturer of machines that cut and fabricate extruded materials. Our specialty is automation - we design and build equipment that do as many steps as possible without the operator having to intervene. JMC got started in York County because my father worked in the area for a window plant. When he started the company, he had a local network of suppliers he was able to work with to help the company get off the ground.

Q: JMC has a role with Tesla – how did that relationship form and what exactly does JMC provide for Tesla?

We got exposed to Tesla through one of their suppliers who were making parts for Tesla, however it was very labor intensive and they could not make high quality parts fast enough. We designed a single machine that replaced 26 individual machines that all required operators. We were able to design and build a fully customized solution in 9 months, which is extremely fast for something this complex. We have made machines that build parts for every model in Tesla's lineup of cars.

Q: Are there additional widely known companies you work with?

We work with every major window manufacturer in the United States: Jeldwen, Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Mitre Brands, and Cornerstone are all customers of ours.

Q: What does the next 5-10 years have in store for JMC?

We think the next decade will see manufacturers continue to invest in automation. Skilled labor is in short supply and demand for building supplies continues to grow. This bodes well for us as the core of our offering is automation focused. We plan on investing in our facilities and training so we can continue to expand our capacity to meet this demand.

Q: Why do you stay in York County (we’re glad you do!)?

In addition to being a beautiful part of the country, the people, local manufacturing eco-system and central Mid-Atlantic location make York County a great place to do business. Over the last 36 years we have continually found incredibly talented people in the area which is what has enabled us to be so successful. We cannot imagine being anywhere else!

with DeAnna Hain Executive Vice President of Marketing

York Wallcoverings

BY MEGAN KREISER | ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS

Look around your local hotel, hospital, office building, restaurant, or even your house. Chances are the wallcovering you’re looking at was made in York County. Established in 1895, York Wallcoverings is still working from the same factory location in York. As one of the only wallcovering companies that design, manufacture, and sell their products, they have continued to evolve with the ever-changing market and new technologies to grow into an international company.

What’s the history behind York Wallcoverings?

We have been in service for over a century and transitioned through names from York Paper Company to our current name, York Wallcoverings What’s unique about us is that we are not just a selling and marketing organization, we are a full manufacturing company comprised of departments such as design, color specialists, factory production, marketing, sales, and more. You can find our products in 85 different countries. We have seven different printing techniques that we do in our factory and another building serves as our warehouse and fulfillment center. Our heritage is tied to the nation’s, contributing to the restoration of President James Buchanan’s home Wheatland, curation assistance for The Immersion Room of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York City, and our wallpaper adorns the walls of the White House Oval Office today.

Q&A

marketing

are a full manufacturing company comprised of departments such as design, color specialists, factory production, marketing, sales, and more.”

York Wallcoverings, the parent brand of our company, has several brand divisions to appeal to different markets. Our DIY brand division and the Roommates brand are our peel & stick, fast and affordable wallpapers, and decals, and marketed for those who shop at Home Depot Lowe’s Walmart Target, and other big box retailers. This product is durable, but also easily removable for that renter who wants to spruce up their walls, then take the items down before moving out. These brands have entertainment licenses with Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Lucas Films, Nickelodeon, and Netflix

Our parent brand, York Wallcoverings, is known as our legacy brand offering traditional, residential wallcoverings to consumers and the interior designer community. Celebrity brands part of this group include Magnolia Homes, Candice Olson, and Ben & Erin Napier from “Home Town.”

The York Contract division serves commercial markets such as hospitality, healthcare, and corporate spaces. Different federal standards are required for commercial buildings, so this division creates those wallcoverings. Most recently, we worked with the Yorktowne Hotel!

Wallcoverings seems like it could cover a broad aspect of interior design options. Can you speak to more of what you offer?

“What’s unique about us is that we are not just a selling and

organization, we

~ DeAnna Hain Executive Vice President of Marketing

What are your future goals and plans for York Wallcoverings?

We continue to innovate our product offerings that meet the changing needs of home and commercial spaces. Through acquisitions and mergers, we are expanding our lines to include acoustical products performance textile wallcoverings and more. A recent merger with another established wallcovering and home fashion brand based in Boston, Brewster Home Fashions, puts us in the path of category domination… allowing us to integrate and expand in exciting new ways. We are more closely studying buying habits of consumers and trade members to make the user experience as seamless as possible, and are continually shaping our company to be pioneers in the interiors marketplace delivering first class service and exceptional products. It’s a very exciting time for York Wallcoverings as we continue to grow at a rapid rate.

What is something unique about York Wallcoverings?

Every single person at our company has magic and passion behind what they’re doing. Our press operators are knowledgeable about the presses and experimenting with new textures. Color specialists are applying colors in different layers to come up with new options. And our sales team is reporting back what they’re finding at trade shows that’s inspiring them. We’re proud to both hire from the creative arts community, and support employees who have been with us for decades.

Har ley-Davidson: A Cultural Phenomenon Ig nited by Creativity and Innovation Q&A

with Tori Termaat Chief Human Resources Officer Harley-Davidson

Since its founding in 1903 in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson’s creativity and forward-thinking have ignited a cultural phenomenon that has spanned across time and geography. Their passion for motorcycles and the lifestyle they represent has made Harley-Davidson the most sought-after brand in the world.

When the YCEA created the Welcoming Workplaces initiative, Harley-Davidson was one of its inaugural members. Looking back since its launch, we had a chance to connect with them and see how they have been implementing this effort locally.

Q: How has Welcoming Workplaces impacted Harley-Davidson as an employer in York County?

Welcoming Workplaces has allowed us to share all the great work that we have been doing with the community. It allows us an opportunity to show how we, as an organization, have made Inclusive Stakeholder Management a part of our strategy. The resources provided on the website and through community meetings allow for all of our organizations to learn from each other. These discussions are what we need to make this town a better place. We are all invested in the success of this community.

Q: What initiatives/efforts has Harley-Davidson implemented since becoming a Welcoming Workplace?

At Harley-Davidson, we believe in creating and sustaining an engaging, diverse, and inclusive workplace where every employee gets to bring their whole self to work. We launched our version of affinity groups and networks, called Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), in 2013.  We wanted these groups to be connected to the business while also being a resource for employees.

The ERGs are engaged in activities that tie to our HarleyDavidson Foundation and benefit our communities, they help support business initiatives aligned with our strategy and take part in culture and career-building events that inspire growth and development for their members. In 2021, we increased the number of women and underrepresented talent and had a similar goal for 2022.

We’re also prioritizing progressive and sustainable work environments, policies, and practices. We’re committed to employee health and safety and have achieved and sustained a best-in-class OSHA Recordable Rate that is over 80% lower than the average for our industry as part of that commitment.

We continue to rethink what we do to attract talent, the processes that get in the way, and how to creatively engage candidates and the community where we work and live.

Q: Why should other industries and companies sign up to join the Welcoming Workplaces’ Designation?

We have the power and responsibility to create a culture where hate and discrimination have no place, and where employees feel included, accepted, and safe. Every action we take—big and small, individual or as a company—helps make a positive impact. Often companies do not know where to begin or where to find the resources and support. Welcoming Workplaces is here to provide the support that you will need in York. We are in this together.

To learn more about Welcoming Workplaces, visit welcomingworkplaceyork.com

L2 Brands:

From Montana Wilderness to the Dalai Lama, How Brothers Launched a Legacy

Legacy Athletic Apparel was founded in Carlisle in 1992 by Dickinson Law Students Paige Wingert and Mark Landgren. The company began by making vintage baseball caps with historic athletic logos found in old college yearbooks. In 2018, Legacy was sold to Dominus Capital, a private equity firm. Dominus Capital merged Legacy with League Collegiate Apparel, a collegiate apparel business based in suburban Philadelphia, to form L2 Brands L2 Brands is headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where it operates a large apparel decoration facility.

Five years on from the merger, L2 Brands is continuing to grow and working to integrate two more product brands that were recently acquired: Ouray Sportswear and Locale Outdoor. We sat down with Brandon Wingert, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain & Product Development to check in on L2 Brands recent success.

Q&A

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Q: Could you talk a little bit about the decision to locate in Hanover and what has kept you here?

My brothers and I all graduated from South Western High School and were raised in Hanover since 1972. Legacy was born around the time that Hanover Shoe was closing, and we were able to hire some of their former employees. The skilled labor and strong work ethic in this area has been key to our success. In fact, just today we had an employee retire who had worked at Hanover Shoe and then was with us for 26 years. Our motto has been “Work Hard and Be Nice” and that embodies the spirit of the people around here.

“Our motto has been ‘Work Hard and Be Nice’ and that embodies the spirit of the people around here.”

~ Brandon Wingert Executive Vice President Supply Chain & Product Development

Q: Could you talk a little bit about the merger with League Apparel and the impact that has made on L2 Brands?

When we merged with League Apparel they had two production facilities. One was outside of Philadelphia and the other in El Salvador they called League Central America. We decided to relocate the decoration operations from Philadelphia to Hanover due to the labor talent here and our efficient factory layout. Having domestic production gives us the ability to quickly turnaround orders. We still have the facility in El Salvador. That allows for some vertical integration, and they can handle embroidery and printing orders that aren’t as time sensitive.

Q: Could you describe your operations here in Hanover?

At peak season, we have about 400 employees here in York County. We work three shifts that work Monday through Friday. Our operation in Hanover includes embroidery and printing for hats, apparel, and home décor. We have a whole product development team including graphic designers and product merchandisers as well as teams working in warehouse, production and shipping, plus all the operations support folks, like IT, human resources and finance.

Q: What was the moment that you realized the business had made it big?

We’ve grown from Paige’s basement into a global company. Seeing people wearing our hats in Europe or recently on a fishing trip deep in the Montana wilderness has been a great feeling and a connection to back home. We still get a kick out of seeing celebrities sporting Legacy like Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Joanna Gaines, Liam Neeson, Patrick Dempsey, and even the Dalai Lama!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

What I like most is working with my team and helping to build a strong culture. We’ve built a great team of talented, competitive, fun-loving people; folks want to stay here. I’m ever grateful for that. Paige and I are still very hands-on with the design of new hats. It gives us a personal touch in that aspect of the business.

Local Manufacturer Creates Critical Components for the Country

BY DAVID GONZALEZ | DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

this speaks to our legacy and the pride many on our team have in the work conducted here,” says General

Manager, Brett Butler

Today, one of the largest focuses for the manufacturer is defense. PCC is building components that carry nuclear warheads that go onto the U.S. Navy’s Virginia and Columbia classes of ballistic missile submarines. Additionally, PCC is working with different utilities to support the building of reactors that’ll aid in the creation of green energy. Butler shares “PCC isn’t limited to any specific projects, defense, commercial nuclear, commercial industrial – really if it’s a first of a kind, never been built, large scale equipment, that’s kind of our sweet spot.”

Walking through the facility it is easy to get lost in its vastness and stand in awe of the equipment such as the many cranes that stand overhead and products that can reach up to four stories tall. When asked what the top need for PCC is, Butler shares “workforce development. We need people who want to do this work. We are establishing more trainee programs to evolve folks at any level to come through our door and get them on a path to contribute to this industry.”

Positions with PCC range from mechanical and industrial engineers, welding, tool design, fabricators, non- destructive testing technicians, and much more. PCC is one of the many manufacturers in the county supporting critical work such as defense and energy. The company is looking to continue to grow, and as Butler notes, “to be competitive for the next 145 years we’ll need creative, innovative, motivated people who ultimately want a career in doing important work for our country.”

“Various generations of people are engaged in different aspects of the business, and I believe this speaks to our legacy and the pride many on our team have in the work conducted here,”

~Brett Butler, General Manager

EVENTS

For details, visit YCEAPA.org

OCTOBER

Tuesday, October 10, 11:30 am – 1 pm

WBCO Luncheon: Infusing Inclusivity –A Welcoming Workplaces Workshop presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Thursday, October 19, 1 – 6 pm

York County Trail Towns Summit Summit Grove

140 South Front St., New Freedom

Wednesday, October 25, 7:30-8:30 am

Economics Club Event: Innovations in Technology presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group

Wyndham Garden York

2000 Loucks Rd.

NOVEMBER

Wednesday, November 1, 5-7 pm

YoCo Connect Live presented by Murray Community Progress Council 226 E College Ave.

Tuesday, November 14, 11:30 am – 1 pm

WBCO Luncheon: Professional Development & Mentorship presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Wednesday, November 29, 7:30-8:30 am

Economics Club Event: Welcoming Workplaces presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group

Wyndham Garden York 2000 Loucks Rd.

DECEMBER

Wednesday, December 6, 4:30-7:00 pm

Changemaker Awards and Reception

Investment Real Estate LLC

320 N George St.

For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com

October 18 - BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, 8:30-9:30 am

October 28 - Sweetest Pint presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Downtown York, 1:30-5 pm

November 3 - First Friday presented by WellSpan Health, Downtown York, 5-9 pm

November 8 - Downtown Update presented by M&T Bank, Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30-9 am

For details, visit enrootyork.org.

October 17 - York Story Slam: Potluck (open theme) Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

October 26 - York Story Slam: Over the River and Through the Woods, Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St., Columbia, 7-9 pm

November 9 - PechaKucha Night, Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Pl, Hanover, 6-8 pm