Harkins, Merski: $750K loan backs Value Flow Group equipment upgrade
Project will create two new jobs, while retaining eight existing positions
Rep. Robert Merski July 1, 2026 | 1:02 PM
ERIE, July 1 – A low-interest loan of $750,000 through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority will support Value Flow Group’s expansion in Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today.
The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the seven-year loan, approved at a fixed interest rate of 5.25%, will fund machinery and equipment purchases for Value Flow Group’s facility at 1015 W. 18 St. in Erie. The investment will double the company’s capacity for physical vapor deposition services to meet growing demand.
“This investment is great news for our local manufacturing sector and for workers across the district,” Harkins said. “When companies expand their capacity, it creates new opportunities for residents and helps strengthen our regional economy. Value Flow Group’s project will inject more than $1.7 million into the local economy, create two new full-time jobs, and retain eight existing positions — a meaningful boost for Erie.”
Merski said, “Supporting homegrown manufacturers like Value Flow Group is essential to preserving good jobs and growing our workforce. I appreciate the work of the Department of Community and Economic Development in approving this financing, which will help the company meet rising demand and continue to invest in Erie.”
The total project cost is $1.7 million. Since 2023, the Shapiro administration has approved $179.7 million in low-interest loans that have resulted in $473 million in private investment, the creation of 1,571 full-time jobs, and the retention of 2,808 existing jobs across the state.