Peer Networks
Overview
Catalyst Connection’s Peer Networks bring together manufacturing leaders from across southwestern Pennsylvania to share practical insight, discuss operational challenges, and learn directly from one another. These manufacturers-only groups create space for open conversations around workforce, operations, technology, cybersecurity, finance, and business growth.
Rather than formal presentations or sales-driven events, Peer Networks are designed around candid discussion and real-world experience. Participants compare approaches, exchange lessons learned, and gain perspective from peers facing many of the same challenges inside their own facilities.
Meetings are held throughout the year and often include facility tours, expert-led discussions, demonstrations, and peer-to-peer problem solving sessions hosted at regional manufacturers and partner organizations.
Catalyst Connection currently facilitates several active Peer Networks that support manufacturers at different stages of growth and modernization.
Why Participate
Peer Networks help manufacturers learn faster by connecting directly with companies actively working through similar operational, workforce, and technology decisions.
Participants gain:
- Practical insight from fellow manufacturers
- Exposure to new ideas, tools, and strategies
- Access to regional resources and technical expertise
- Stronger industry relationships across southwestern Pennsylvania
- Opportunities to host discussions and showcase their own operations
Many participants say the value comes from hearing what is actually working inside other manufacturing environments. The conversations are practical, direct, and grounded in real operational experience.
Digital Bridge Peer Network
The Digital Bridge Peer Network is Catalyst Connection’s manufacturers-only group focused on advanced technology exploration and adoption for small and mid-sized manufacturers across southwestern Pennsylvania.
The network connects manufacturers to share practical lessons learned around AI, automation, data visibility, machine vision, and digital transformation initiatives. Discussions focus on real-world implementation, helping companies compare approaches, challenges, and “what worked / what didn’t” experiences in an open, peer-driven environment.
Meetings are held virtually and through periodic site visits and hosted discussions at regional manufacturers and partner locations, including Bayer, FS-Elliott, Digital Foundry New Kensington, JWF Industries, and Tronix3D.
The network also highlights regional programs and resources, including Digital Bridge and SMART PA, that support manufacturers moving from exploration to implementation.
To join the Digital Bridge Peer Network or host a future meeting at your facility, contact Matt Minner.
Cybersecurity Peer Network
Catalyst Connection’s Cybersecurity Peer Network connects manufacturing IT and OT professionals across southwestern Pennsylvania to discuss real-world cybersecurity challenges impacting manufacturing operations.
As facilities become more connected, cyber risks can affect production systems, equipment performance, operational uptime, and supply chain continuity. The Network provides a trusted, peer-driven environment where manufacturers can compare approaches, share lessons learned, and discuss practical strategies for reducing risk.
Topics include ransomware prevention, OT security, access management, incident response planning, employee awareness, and cybersecurity best practices for manufacturing environments.
There is no cost to participate, and the value comes from ongoing collaboration with peers facing many of the same operational and cybersecurity concerns.
Manufacturing Growth Collaborative (MGC)
The Manufacturing Growth Collaborative (MGC) is Catalyst Connection’s peer network for manufacturing leaders focused on business growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
MGC brings together small and mid-sized manufacturers to discuss strategies for scaling operations, expanding into new markets, strengthening partnerships, and navigating the challenges tied to growth and modernization.
Through peer discussion, shared experiences, and practical insight, participants explore topics such as product development, operational growth, workforce strategy, market expansion, and emerging industry opportunities across southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Collaborative is designed to help manufacturers learn from one another, build stronger industry connections, and identify practical paths toward sustainable growth.
Finance Leaders Network
The Finance Leaders Network is Catalyst Connection’s peer group for financial leaders at small and mid-sized manufacturing companies across southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Network provides a collaborative environment where finance professionals can connect with peers facing many of the same operational, financial, and strategic challenges impacting manufacturers today. Participants share experiences, compare approaches, and discuss practical solutions tied to business growth, profitability, investment planning, workforce pressures, and economic uncertainty.
Through peer discussion and expert-led conversations, members gain insight into emerging financial trends, operational decision-making, risk management, capital planning, and strategies that support long-term manufacturing growth and competitiveness.
The value comes from ongoing collaboration, practical insight, and learning directly from manufacturing finance leaders navigating similar challenges across the region.