Building talent. Strengthening manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Lab (the MILL) at Penn State Berks is a hands-on education and workforce development hub designed to support the future of manufacturing in the Berks County region. By connecting people, technology, and industry, the MILL helps manufacturers adapt, grow, and compete in an increasingly digital economy.
Our Vision
An innovative regional economy where people, technology, and manufacturing grow together.
Our Mission
The MILL delivers hands-on education, workforce training, and industry partnerships to grow talent and strengthen manufacturing across our region.
What We Do
The MILL supports regional economic development by working at the intersection of education, workforce, and industry. We do this by:
- Delivering hands-on learning through labs, projects, and real-world manufacturing challenges.
- Offering design-and-build services to help companies explore, prototype, and implement digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Providing workforce and upskilling programs aligned with regional employer needs.
- Partnering with small- and mid-sized manufacturers to support talent development, innovation, and adoption of new technologies.
- Creating pathways from K–12 to postsecondary education to employment in advanced manufacturing.
Who We Serve
The MILL is designed to meet the needs of multiple audiences across the manufacturing ecosystem:
- Manufacturers seeking skilled talent, training, and support with emerging technologies.
- Students and learners exploring careers in manufacturing and engineering.
- Educators and schools looking for hands-on, real-world learning environments.
- Community and economic development partners focused on strengthening the regional workforce and economy.
Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing
The MILL helps manufacturers take practical steps toward digital transformation. Through applied projects and design-and-build services, companies can explore technologies such as:
- Automation and robotics
- Sensors and data collection
- Smart manufacturing systems
- Digital workflows and process optimization
- Emerging Industry 4.0 solutions
Our approach is hands-on, collaborative, and tailored to the realities of small- and mid-sized manufacturers.
A Regional Asset
As a Penn State Berks initiative, the MILL works alongside Berks LaunchBox and other campus partners to support innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional economic growth.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a manufacturer, student, educator, or community partner, the MILL offers opportunities to collaborate, learn, and innovate.Work with the MILL
