MUNCY, PA — California-based energy storage innovator Verne Inc. announced it will establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lycoming County, marking a $4.5 million investment that is expected to create at least 61 full-time jobs. The facility will be built in the Marcellus Energy Park and represents a major win for Pennsylvania’s economic development and clean energy ambitions.
Governor Josh Shapiro joined Verne co-founder David Jaramillo and local leaders to unveil the project, highlighting it as a key step in Pennsylvania’s push to strengthen its manufacturing and innovation sectors. The state is supporting Verne with more than $1.27 million in incentives, including a $1 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan, a $153,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $122,000 WEDnetPA grant for workforce training.
Founded in San Francisco in 2020, Verne specializes in advanced hydrogen storage solutions. Its technology enables hydrogen to be stored in a cold-and-compressed state, increasing density and making transport more efficient. At the new Muncy facility, Verne will manufacture storage vessels in partnership with local manufacturers, further integrating into Pennsylvania’s robust energy supply chain.
“Pennsylvania is making strategic investments to grow our innovation, energy, and manufacturing industries, and Verne clearly recognized that our Commonwealth is competing again because they chose us over Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia for its first manufacturing facility,” Governor Shapiro said. He emphasized that such investments not only boost local economies but also reinforce the state’s standing as a leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Verne’s CEO Ted McKlveen explained that the decision to locate in north central Pennsylvania was driven by proximity to key partners, allowing the company to optimize its supply chain and manufacturing processes. “This facility will accelerate our impact in delivering energy to power critical industries that are currently not being served by our nation’s electricity grid,” McKlveen said.
The move has been welcomed by regional economic leaders. Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, praised the synergy between Verne’s cutting-edge technology and Pennsylvania’s talent pipeline. Meanwhile, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania expressed its support, highlighting Verne’s alignment with the state’s focus on advanced manufacturing and clean energy innovation.
This project builds on Governor Shapiro’s broader economic development efforts. Since taking office, his administration has secured over $25 billion in private-sector investments and nearly 11,000 new jobs. Recent initiatives include a $20 billion investment from Amazon and a proposed 2025–26 budget that supports workforce development, tax incentives, and business attraction.
Verne’s expansion highlights Pennsylvania’s growing role in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future, positioning the Commonwealth to continue leading in both job creation and innovation.
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