There is some very contrasting news from manufacturing industry this morning.

Erie Plastics, located in Corry, Pa., has been sold at a bankruptcy auction for roughly 7 Million dollars to Berry Plastics, who expect to close the operation, resulting in the loss of over 200 jobs, and a huge hole in the economy for the City of Corry and her citizens, and a loss for Erie County as well.

A few miles south, Con-Air, located in the Franklin area, has successfully completed a consolidation effort designed to save money and retain the 50 year old operation in Franklin.  As a result, another division, Rapid Granulator,  has been added, which will bring with it 10 jobs, as well as creating 10 new positions.

According to an item on Erie Pa Today, local economic development agencies helped in the effort by putting together a 200,000 dollar package to assist in the consolidation.

Why the opposite outcomes?  And could the outcome have been positive for both?

Erie Plastics is located in Erie County.

Con-Air is located in Venango County.

Could officials in Erie County have responded to the problems at Erie Plastics in an attempt to aid the company in it’s battle to stay afloat?  Did our economic development agencies offer any help?  Did the owners of Erie Plastics seek any assistance?

With all the job losses in Erie County, officials should have been standing on their heads shaking out every last coin in their collective pocket to prevent the loss of 200+ more jobs.

It would seem that Venango County officials got it right.

Why not Erie County??