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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : Erie Times-News
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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : Erie Times-News
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Former Bliley Technologies prepares to move to a new home in Behrend's Knowledge Park

Kyocera's $50 Million Investment: Acquiring and Relocating Bliley Technologies to Erie, Boosting Local Economy and Innovation at Penn State Behrend

ERIE, Pa. — In a major boost to the region's manufacturing and technology sectors, global electronics giant Kyocera Corporation has announced a $50 million investment to acquire and relocate Bliley Technologies, a specialized manufacturer of crystal oscillators and frequency control products. The move will bring Bliley's operations to Erie, Pennsylvania, with a new facility planned on the campus of Penn State Behrend, promising to create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen ties between industry and academia.

The announcement, made public on July 29, 2025, underscores Kyocera's strategic expansion in North America, particularly in high-precision components essential for telecommunications, aerospace, and defense applications. Bliley Technologies, founded in 1930 and based in Erie for much of its history before relocating operations elsewhere, specializes in quartz crystal oscillators, which are critical for maintaining precise timing in electronic devices. These components are used in everything from satellite communications to military radar systems, making Bliley a key player in niche but vital markets.

Kyocera, a Kyoto, Japan-based multinational with a diverse portfolio spanning ceramics, electronics, and solar energy, sees the acquisition as a way to enhance its offerings in frequency control technologies. According to company executives, the $50 million investment will cover the purchase of Bliley's assets, the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and the relocation of operations back to Erie. This decision reverses Bliley's previous move out of the area and positions Erie as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

A significant aspect of the deal involves collaboration with Penn State Behrend, the Erie campus of Pennsylvania State University. The new Bliley facility will be built on university grounds, facilitating research partnerships, student internships, and technology transfer programs. Penn State Behrend, known for its strong engineering and business programs, has long been a driver of economic development in northwestern Pennsylvania. This partnership aligns with the university's mission to bridge academic research with real-world industry needs.

"Bringing Bliley Technologies back to Erie under Kyocera's umbrella is a game-changer for our community," said Erie Mayor Joe Schember in a statement. "This investment not only revives a historic local company but also injects millions into our economy, creating high-skilled jobs and positioning Erie as a center for technological innovation." Schember highlighted the potential for up to 150 new jobs in the first phase, with opportunities for expansion as production ramps up.

Bliley Technologies has a storied history in Erie. Established by Charles Bliley during the Great Depression, the company began as a small operation producing radio crystals and grew into a leader in precision frequency control. Over the decades, it supplied components for landmark projects, including NASA's Apollo missions and modern GPS systems. However, in recent years, Bliley faced challenges, including ownership changes and a relocation of its manufacturing base to York, Pennsylvania, in 2018. This led to the loss of local jobs and a diminished presence in Erie.

Kyocera's acquisition aims to reverse that trend. The Japanese firm, which reported global revenues exceeding $15 billion in its last fiscal year, has been aggressively expanding its U.S. footprint. Recent investments include acquisitions in the semiconductor and automotive sectors, reflecting a broader strategy to localize production amid global supply chain disruptions. By integrating Bliley's expertise with Kyocera's advanced materials science—particularly in ceramics and fine ceramics—the combined entity expects to develop next-generation products for 5G networks, autonomous vehicles, and space exploration.

The relocation to Penn State Behrend is particularly noteworthy. The campus, situated on a 854-acre site in Harborcreek Township, already hosts the Black School of Business and the School of Engineering, which offer programs in materials science, electrical engineering, and entrepreneurship. University officials anticipate that the new facility will serve as a living laboratory for students. "This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between higher education and industry," said Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend. "Our students will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, while Kyocera benefits from a pipeline of talented graduates ready to innovate."

Details of the facility reveal ambitious plans. The $50 million will fund a 50,000-square-foot building equipped with clean rooms, automated assembly lines, and research labs. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with operations commencing by late 2027. Environmental considerations are also part of the project, with Kyocera committing to sustainable practices, including energy-efficient designs and waste reduction protocols, aligning with its corporate sustainability goals.

Local economic development organizations, such as the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, have been instrumental in facilitating the deal. "We've been working behind the scenes for months to make this happen," said Jake Rouch, president and CEO of the chamber. "Erie's strategic location, skilled workforce, and access to the Great Lakes make it an ideal spot for manufacturing resurgence." Rouch pointed to incentives from the state of Pennsylvania, including tax credits and grants under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which helped seal the agreement.

The investment comes at a pivotal time for Erie's economy, which has historically relied on heavy industry but has diversified into tech and education. The region has seen challenges, including population decline and the closure of manufacturing plants, but initiatives like this signal a turnaround. According to economic analysts, the Kyocera-Bliley deal could generate an annual economic impact of $20 million through direct employment, supply chain spending, and induced effects like increased local retail and housing demand.

Community leaders are optimistic about the ripple effects. "This isn't just about jobs; it's about revitalizing our sense of pride in Erie's industrial heritage," said County Executive Brenton Davis. "Bliley was born here, and now it's coming home stronger than ever." Davis noted that the project could attract additional investments, potentially creating a tech corridor along the Lake Erie shoreline.

For Bliley's current employees, the relocation offers continuity and growth opportunities. Kyocera has pledged to retain the majority of Bliley's 100-person workforce, with relocation assistance for those willing to move to Erie. Training programs, in partnership with Penn State Behrend, will upskill workers in areas like robotics and data analytics, ensuring the facility remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Industry experts view the acquisition as part of a larger trend. "Frequency control technologies are the unsung heroes of modern electronics," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a materials science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. "By combining Kyocera's global reach with Bliley's specialized knowledge, this could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing and IoT devices." Vasquez emphasized the importance of such investments in countering supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by recent global events.

Challenges remain, however. Integrating two corporate cultures—Kyocera's Japanese precision with Bliley's American ingenuity—will require careful management. Regulatory approvals from federal agencies, given Bliley's defense-related products, are pending but expected to proceed smoothly. Additionally, local infrastructure, such as transportation and housing, will need upgrades to accommodate growth.

Looking ahead, Kyocera executives are bullish. "This investment in Erie and Penn State Behrend is a cornerstone of our North American strategy," said Hideo Tanimoto, president of Kyocera Corporation. "We are committed to innovation that drives progress, and Bliley's legacy perfectly complements our vision." Tanimoto hinted at future expansions, potentially including R&D centers focused on emerging technologies like 6G communications.

For Erie residents, the news is a beacon of hope. Longtime local business owner Maria Gonzalez, whose family has roots in the area's manufacturing past, summed it up: "We've waited for something like this. It's not just money—it's a future for our kids." As construction crews prepare to break ground, the partnership between Kyocera, Bliley, and Penn State Behrend stands as a model for how targeted investments can rejuvenate communities and propel technological advancement.

This development positions Erie on the national stage, blending its industrial grit with cutting-edge innovation. With $50 million on the line, the stakes are high, but so are the rewards for a region ready to embrace its next chapter.

Read the Full Erie Times-News Article at:
[ https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/07/29/kyocera-invests-50-million-buy-relocate-bliley-technologies-pa-erie-penn-state-behrend/85345227007/ ]