Pennsylvania polymer film manufacturer recognized for employer-funded apprenticeship pipeline, community college partnerships, and innovative workforce initiatives

MOUNTAIN TOP, PA – On June 11, 2026, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Acting Assistant Secretary on Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Curt Coccodrilli traveled from Washington, D.C. to tour the manufacturing facility of i2M, a vertically integrated advanced polymer film manufacturer headquartered in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. The visit highlighted i2M’s nationally recognized workforce development model as an example of the business, community, and education partnerships the administration believes are essential to the future of American manufacturing.

“You see a business that has been here for a long time using cutting-edge technology and training the local workforce. It’s exactly what I wanted to see – a partnership between high schools, community colleges, and industry all working together to make sure we could build these American-made products made by American workers.”

-Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling

Secretary Sonderling’s visit focused on several workforce initiatives i2M has developed and fully funded, including Crestwood Creators, an employer-funded talent pipeline that identifies high-potential students at Crestwood High School – located one mile from the i2M facility, and provides them with a direct, hands-on path into skilled manufacturing careers. i2M designs the curriculum, funds the program in full, and hires its graduates. Students enter careers with no tuition debt and no experience gap.

“Investments like these allow us to continue driving results for our customers. Our commitment to American manufacturing is a long-term one because it gives us the agility to respond faster, the integrated capabilities to bring ideas from concept to production, and the ability to be a stronger partner to the customers who trust us with their business. These investments reflect our confidence in the future of U.S. manufacturing and our commitment to delivering value for customer partners for years to come.”

The visit also covered i2M’s partnership with Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), its registered apprenticeship program, and its childcare and transportation initiatives designed to remove everyday barriers that prevent qualified workers from accessing manufacturing careers.

“I want other manufacturers to know that these innovative solutions are possible. They’re available, and they generate extraordinary results long term for the business,”

-Alex Grover, CEO, i2M

The visit was covered by Plastics News, the leading trade publication for the plastics industry: plasticsnews.com/public-policy/pn-i2m-labor-department-visit, as well as by FOX56 News in Wilkes-Barre, PA: fox56.com/news/local/secretary-sonderling-tours-i2m-oversees-workforce-manufacturing-development-in-nepa