A practical equipment replacement at an Altoona manufacturer is showing how smaller improvements can make a meaningful difference for local businesses.

Blair Image Elements received a $65,761 award through the RISE PA program to replace three aging rooftop heating and cooling units with higher-efficiency models.

The project is expected to reduce annual energy expenses by approximately $9,900, according to a recent Penn State technical assistance report.

That estimate matters for a manufacturer because utility costs are a recurring expense that can affect competitiveness long after a new machine is installed.

Founded in 1951, the family-owned company produces branded signage, lighting, millwork, and building facade systems for major retailers and recognizable national brands.

Its Altoona operation is part of the region's manufacturing tradition, where skilled work and practical investments help employers compete for contracts beyond Pennsylvania.

The RISE PA program offers different award levels, including a small-scale track intended to make projects more accessible to companies without enormous capital budgets.

Replacing older rooftop units can also reduce energy consumption and the pollution associated with supplying that energy.

The company's project highlights a challenge faced by many local manufacturers: deciding when an upgrade is worth the upfront investment.

Grants can help close that gap when an otherwise sensible project would be difficult to finance on its own.

Projected savings are estimates rather than guaranteed results, and actual performance will depend on installation, operating hours, and weather conditions.

Even so, the investment offers a useful example for other businesses reviewing outdated heating, cooling, and production equipment.

The broader lesson for Blair County is that economic development is not limited to brand-new buildings or high-profile announcements.

Sometimes progress begins with a quieter upgrade that helps an established employer operate more efficiently for years to come.