Foreign Direct Investment

Strategic

Partnerships Program

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Opportunities for investing in, trading with, or partnering with Pennsylvania-based businesses

The Strategic Partnerships Program (formerly known as the Joint Venture Program) is a unique opportunity for companies to gain greater international market share. By partnering with Pennsylvania-based companies, international companies can increase market access in North America at lower costs while also contributing to domestic job creation. Strategic partnerships can also open up new markets to U.S. suppliers.

This partnership can take many forms, including non-equity strategic alliance that facilitates learning transfers and technology sharing, contract manufacturing, and licensing, or co-marketing agreements, or an equity-based joint venture that serves as a more long-term commitment.

Opportunities are updated monthly and shared with statewide partners via an email distribution every five weeks. Contact Alex Mederos to learn more or sign up for our Strategic Partnerships newsletter below to be notified when new opportunities are available. 

View the current list of Strategic Partnerships Program Opportunities!

Alex Mederos Headshot

Alex Mederos

Director, International Business Development

717.300.8402 | amederos@pa.gov

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Benefits for International Companies

Small and medium-sized international companies often invest in the U.S. market in stages, beginning with contract manufacturing, joint ventures, and other partnerships to hold down costs and minimize risk, while steadily building up market share in the world’s largest economy: the United States. Depending on the company’s expansion goals, BusinessPA can connect them with Pennsylvania-based firms to establish either a non-equity strategic alliance or an equity-based joint venture.  

Looking for a strategic partnership in Pennsylvania? Get started here.

If you're an international business and you want to connect with Pennsylvania companies, here's how to get started.

  1. Reach out to your local representative

  2. Tell us what you’re looking to accomplish

    • Determine whether your company seeks contract manufacturing, joint ventures, or strategic alliances to establish or expand operations in the United States.

    • We’ll also ask you how the partnership will benefit the Pennsylvania partner, positively impact the local Pennsylvania economy, and support your broader U.S. expansion strategy.

  3. Approval and listing

    • Once approved, your project will be anonymized and posted on this page for Pennsylvania companies to review.

  4. Matching

    • BusinessPA circulates projects on a regular basis to our regional partners across Pennsylvania. Regional partners work with their network of companies to identify the perfect match. Once a company is identified, BusinessPA will facilitate an introduction. From there, both the international and PA-based company can move forward with their partnership.

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Benefits for Pennsylvania Companies

The Strategic Partnerships Program is more than a match-making service for international firms. Pennsylvania companies benefit from partnerships in many ways including knowledge and technology transfer, sales of expertise and operational capacity, and potential access to foreign markets through reciprocal trade.

An aerial view of a large industrial facility and warehouse, surrounded by miles of agricultural land

Looking for an international partner?

Here are your next steps.

If you're a Pennsylvania company looking for an international business partner, here's what to do first.

  1. Explore current opportunities

    • Check out the table toward the bottom of this page to view a list of currently available opportunities. Select one that aligns with your company’s capabilities, interests, or market goals. If you do not see any relevant projects at this time, please check back soon - we update the list every month!

  2. Contact your Regional Export Network Representative

    • Contact your local economic development partner to confirm your interest in initiating the conversation. Include the project reference number and some background information about your company and your objectives. Your representative will work closely with BusinessPA to identify potential partners.
  3. Wait for BusinessPA review and matchmaking

    • BusinessPA will share your information with the international company for consideration. If both parties express interest, BusinessPA will facilitate an introductory meeting.

     

Fact Sheet Available

Want to share information about the Strategic Partnerships Program with your team? Download a copy of our fact sheet.

Current Program Opportunities

These Pennsylvania Strategic Partnerships Program opportunities are available to businesses of any size, including companies looking to expand, opening a new enterprise or division, returning from offshore, or relocating to Pennsylvania from another state.

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France

Plastics Manufacturing

SIC: 3089 0000

NAICS: 326199

Main Product(s): This European company specializes in the production of protective films for the construction industry (indoor/outdoor) including; plastic films, cotton tarpaulins, plasticized cotton, felt, self-adhesive tarpaulins, tarpaulins and nets for scaffolding. This is a profitable company with strong investment capacity. They are interested in a partner with expertise in the areas of R&D, production, and/or sales. No revenue limits for R&D companies but for production and sales, interested companies should have annual revenue at or above $5 million. Private Company. Established 1986.

Italy

Automated material handling equipment for the Steel Industry

SIC: 3536 – 3537 – 5084

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s): This company is a well-established Italian company that specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of highly-automated technologies for the Steel industry. Such products include: automatic guided vehicles (AGV) for coils logistic, automated overhead cranes, automated Warehouse Management Systems and all the other rail-bound integrated solutions for complex material handling. This company has decades of experience working with all the major Steel producers, such as Arcelor Mittal, with projects all over Italy and Europe and is widely recognized as a specialized supplier of tailor-made material handling solutions in the steel industry.

The Italian company is looking to acquire a company which currently supplies equipment to the steel industry. The ideal partner would have a recognized brand and clients among steel manufacturers, and would be looking for an infusion of capital and automation design/build experience. This company is open to considering different forms of partnership. Their vision is to create an entity in the United States which can design and build customized automation solutions for the steel industry, and provide after-sales service and maintenance to their customers.

Taiwan

Manufacturing

SIC: 38410000 – Surgical and medical instruments

NAICS: 339112Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Main Product(s):

This Taiwanese company is a contract manufacturer of ethylene oxide reclamation machines (the primary sterilization method for medical devices). They have identified the United States as their main sales market and desires to collaborate with a local machinery equipment supplier.

In the proposed arrangement, the company will provide the technology and initial product assembly in Taiwan, and then utilize the local firm to complete the final assembly and deliver the products to end customers. The ideal partner company would have experience in machine manufacturing, OEM, ODM, or an assembly house with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or related certification.

India

Casting and machining of very high-precision iron and aluminum parts

SIC: 3544

NAICS: 332721

Main Product(s):

This company has been in the business of casting & machining very high-precision iron and aluminum parts since 1982. The complementary products include but are not limited to Agricultural Implements and farm Equipment, Pumps for applications such as Water Applications (for domestic use), Industrial (pulp & paper industry, petroleum & gas, etc), and Firefighting pumps and Automotive applications (components & assemblies). The company supplies components & assemblies to some of the most reputed companies in the fields of Farm engines (SAME DEUTZ-FAHR, Mitsubishi Diesel Engines, Mahindra & Mahindra), pumps (Grundfos, Ebara, Andritz) and general engineering (PSG Dover, LMW). This is a very successful company in Europe looking to expand in the US in partnership with a PA company. In addition to capital investment into the JV, they bring this experience of manufacturing and supply chain management to the table”. Ideal partner is described as:

  1. a company engaged in manufacturing complementary products and would like to expand its operations/product line
  2. Preferably a mid-size family-owned company that shares similar values of trust, commitment, and long-term approach towards business development.

Established 1982.

Germany

Manufacturing

SIC: N/A

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile recycling machines. The company, with different locations in Germany, offers a broad range of recycling and environmental technology solutions like shredder, screening, and separation technology for the processing of materials such as old wood, household -, commercial -, and industrial waste, as well as organic waste, excavation material, green waste, and other waste fractions. The company successfully distributes its products through its representation in North America. Following the “Local for Local” strategy, it is now seeking a partner who can manufacture its machines in North America for the North American market. Seeking a partner who is an experienced production company specializing in mobile recycling plants, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, or similar products.

Australia

Manufacturing

SIC: 3841 

NAICS: 334510

Main Product(s):

Established in 2014, this Australian health tech company manufactures an all-in-one telehealth cart solution for the medical sector. The telehealth cart features an AIO medical-grade computer and an ergonomic, easy-to-maneuver medical cart and can include a Pro-EX Desktop with peripheral medical devices. The Australian company is interested in U.S. expansion and is seeking a contract manufacturing/distributor partnership with a Pennsylvania company that has experience in the following areas: Medical device manufacturer of low-risk devices, Aerospace, Electronics manufacturer with experience in PCBA, final assembly, wire and cable harness, and Box build, IT company with experience in final assembly, wire and cable harness, and Box build, ISO 9001 / ISO 13485 desirable, Clean environment and/or a company with synergy of product. An ideal Distributor will be well-established and connected to the medical devices field in the US.

Australia

Manufacturing

SIC: 3565 (Packaging Machinery)

NAICS: 333993 (Packaging Machinery Manufacturing)

Main Product(s):

Established in 2007, this Australian manufacturer of quality packaging machinery (liquid filling machines, labelers, cappers, printers, etc.) is seeking to identify a suitable partner in the US to assist them in growing their business in that market. The company primarily services the FMCG market, across the Food & Bev, Cosmetics & Beauty, Pharmaceuticals & Veterinary, and Industrial & Chemical sectors, and is also Australia’s largest sales, rental & technical services provider to the FMCG packaging sector.

The company is now seeking to partner with a US company to assist them with expansion into the North American market. An ideal partner will have:

  • experience operating in the packaging and manufacturing space, particularly FMCG
  • a least one warehouse for operations to receive and unpack equipment
  • a technical/operations team that can unpack, deliver, and install the machinery
  • a fully functioning business unit that is self-sufficient i.e., sales, marketing, finance, technical, operations etc

Austria

Manufacturing/Clean Energy

SIC: 3691-01

NAICS: 333993 (Packaging Machinery Manufacturing)

Main Product(s):

This R&D startup company offers a highly disruptive new production process for electrodes and rechargeable batteries. This NEW technology can produce free-standing electrodes as well as the world’s first free-standing TriLaver (anode, separator and cathode extruded in one step). This innovation is building prototypes of bipolar stacks, which will be the “next generation” of rechargeable batteries.

The company would like to expand its presence in the US via a partnership with a company already engaged in electrode manufacturing, battery cells, energy storage and/or complimentary products

Limited Liability Company. Established 2020.

China

Electric / Electronics

SIC: 3613, 3643

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

A well-established and trusted manufacturer of Circuit Protection Devices (fuse, pyrofuse, reply, SMD). About 50% of their sales are generated from the automotive industry and 20% from the Energy Storage Industry.

The company would like to expand its presence in the US via a partnership with a company with expertise in the automotive and industrial fuse, relay, circuit protective devices. They are looking for a partner with U.S. operations, sales and, an established R&D team. The ideal partner is a small one with annual sales between $20 to $50 million.

Private Company. Established 2007.

Lithuania

Manufacturing

SIC: N/A

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

Established in 1994, this company manufactures an organic fertilizer using a unique process and product. They are looking to expand their US footprint/client base and are seeking a suitable partner in Pennsylvania to assist them in their North American market growth goals. Partners can include garden centers, industrial farmers, stakeholders in the agronomy market, etc.

North Macedonia

Manufacturing

SIC: 4911

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

Established in 2018, this company manufactures solar panels, photo terminal panels, monocrystalic, bi-facial panels and more. The company is now seeking to partner with a US company to assist them with expansion into the North American market (both manufacturing and distribution). An ideal partner will have synergy of product, expansion capabilities and automated production line capabilities.

Italy

Alloys Production

SIC: 2444420

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

Established in 2004, this company has forty years of experience in the production of light alloys, series – EN AB 41. 000, 42. 000, 43. 000, 44. 000, 45. 000, 51. 000 and 71. 000). They have expertise in the aluminum, magnesium and melting processes in shell, sand and die casting. The company is looking to expand their US footprint/client base and are seeking a suitable partner in Pennsylvania to assist them in their North American market growth goals. Partners can include companies in the aerospace, defense and automotive sectors/industries and/or a company with synergy of product.

France

Food Production

SIC: 2038

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

This family-owned company was established in 1942 and are a worldwide leader of fruit purees for pastries, restaurants, and bars. To support their expansion/growth in the U.S., the company is looking for a co-manufacturer partner to make their products in the U.S.

The company will invest the CAPEX for the process/equipment and will purchase raw materials and packaging. The partner will supply an available surface of minimum 15,000 square feet for the process and equipment, will stock raw materials and finished products and will supply labor and utilities. Looking for a partner with synergy of product.

Poland

Health Care

SIC: N/A

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

This company is a Health tech company with a digital platform that offers customized employee benefits, childcare, elder care, mental health care and more. Looking for a partner with synergy of product. Established in 2024.

Turkey

Manufacturing

SIC: N/A

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s):

This company is the largest manufacturer of nonwoven/woven reusable bags in Europe and the market and a leader in sustainable carrier bag solutions in Türkiye. Additionally, the company designs and manufacture cutting machines used in the production of these bags.

Target Partner:

The company is interested in establishing a scalable and sustainable growth model by building a local partnership with regional distributorships and joint venture to accelerate market adaptation in the US. They also wish to establish a production facility in the US by building a broader export and sales network.

Germany

Manufacturing

SIC: N/A

NAICS: 332613, 332322, 332999

Main Product(s):

Founded in 1990, this German manufacturer produces a variety of springs for the electrical engineering, healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries. Their product range comprises several types of springs made from spring or stainless steel or steel wire such as shaped springs, box springs, punched and bend parts, laser cut parts and spring clips. 

Target Partner:

They have about 100 employees and are aiming to grow and increase their presence in the US. Therefore, they are looking for an American manufacturer ranging in size from 50-300 employees with similar capabilities that is able to produce most of, if not the entire product range. An existing ISO 9001 certification would be ideal.

Spain

Manufacturing

SIC: 3842

NAICS: 339113

Project Description: A Spanish manufacturer of walkers and complementary mobility products is seeking a Pennsylvania-based co-manufacturer to produce and distribute their products in the North American market. The company currently sells their product through e-commerce platforms but is looking to streamline their supply chain by manufacturing and distributing their products through a subcontract. The ideal partner should have experience in the industry and background distributing to orthopedic retailers and specialized centers where walkers are sold. No specific licenses are required.

United Kingdom

Food Manufacturing

SIC: 2095 Coffee and Tea Mgf.

NAICS: 311920 Coffee and Tea Manufacturing

Main Product(s): This UK beverage company is a manufacturer and seller of tea bags, ready-to-drink iced tea, and more. Currently exporting to the UAE and the United States, the company is looking to partner with a domestic co-packer that can brew real tea leaves in 250 ml (8.4 oz) aluminum cans. The product is currently brewed using fresh Kenyan loose-leaf teas, using 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives. The shelf life is two years. The company is using hot fillings during production.

The company is interested in partnering with a co-packer that can offer an exclusivity agreement for the production of fresh brewed tea/Kenyan tea as well as a beverage formulation team that can help with future tweaks (ex. reduction of sugar levels or other flavor formulations) and/or a partner with synergy of interests.

Western Europe

Baking industry specialized in special Bread, Brioche, Pastries, and other baked goods

SIC: 2051, 2052, 2053, 2024

NAICS: 311812, 311811, 311813, 311821

Main Product(s): A baked goods company from Western Europe which currently sells to several US retailers is looking for a bakery partner who is capable of making breads, brioche, pastries, desserts or other baked goods. The company wishes to produce their product closer to their consumers on the US East Coast. An ideal partner would already have commercial and distribution expertise in the bread or ISB sections in retail, and would be interested in joining forces to share expertise and diversify their product range. The partner should have annual revenue in the $10 million to $50 million range and be open to considering a sales/co-distribution/co-packing collaboration in a business relationship, and/or with a potential equity investment from the European company.
This company is family-owned operation whose products are present on shelves in several European and American retailers.

France

Food Manufacturing

SIC: 2037-02

NAICS: 311412

Overview: 

The partner is a French food company manufacturing premium ready-made products and premium frozen potatoes products, currently generates a turnover of €300 million. The company currently owns four industrial factories in France and employs more than 600 employees. While all food manufacturing is done in France, roughly 20% of its activities are carried out in the United States. As a result, the company is aiming to grow and increase their customer base in North America through a joint venture with a US-based firm. The company is interesting in partnering with a US food processing firm that has experience with frozen ready-made products and capacity and capabilities to produce most of, if not all, the entire product range.

Spain

Recreational

SIC: N/A

NAICS: N/A

Main Product(s): A Spanish operator of outdoor activities for all seasons, particularly whitewater rafting, kayaking, rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. They have 3 locations in Spain (employing over 50 people), Andorra, and Argentina. The firm is looking for a company (specifically, a whitewater rafting and kayaking operator) in the US to acquire or do a joint venture. The ideal partner should have 10+ employees and including certified kayaking and outdoor guides, and sales exceeding 1 million. The firm wishes to invest in and build the existing local business. Particular target areas include the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos / Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Private company. Established in 1996.

Germany

Consulting, Services, Training & Supervision in Healthcare and Medical technology

SIC: 33,339

NAICS: 38,384

Main Product(s): A well-established and trusted consulting company specializing in the healthcare sector. The main focus of the past 20 years has been to offer solutions and support to medical device manufacturers DACH region, mostly on (EU) 2017/745 Medical Device Regulation and (EU) 2017/746 In-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation. The company has deep knowledge in niche subject areas such as biocompatibility and toxicology or requirement engineering but also offers clients standard services such as writing clinical evaluation reports, creating risk management documents, or establishing entire quality management- or post-market[1]surveillance systems.

The company would like to expand its European business into the US, mainly consulting/supporting US medical device (MD & IVDs) manufacturers regarding EU market requirements. Therefore, they would be delighted to find one or several partners with non-overlapping consulting/service portfolios (consulting companies) in the US or organizations (e.g. CRO). Interested in small- to medium size companies with existing networks in the US and be open to planning and carrying out joint events in the US and in Europe. Company’s field of business: Consulting, Contract Research Organizations (CRO), Software Solution Providers (Healthcare market), Training providers.

Private Company. Established 2003.

Israel

Emergency Management

SIC: N/A

NAICS: 541519

MdaNet is a next-generation emergency management and response platform developed by a leading Israeli emergency organization. The system integrates artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud-based technologies to coordinate emergency operations across medical, fire, and disaster-response networks. Its suite includes real-time vehicle analytics, remote monitoring systems, AI-assisted dispatch, and automated supply and defibrillator cabinets, all managed through a centralized web and mobile interface.

MdaNet’s technology has been field-proven to reduce response times, enhance coordination, and automate critical decision-making across complex emergency environments. The company is now seeking strategic partners in the United States—beginning in Pennsylvania—to scale and localize deployment. Ideal partners include established players in emergency response, healthcare systems, or connected mobility with a strong operational track record and an interest in digital transformation.

MdaNet welcomes joint ventures, licensing agreements, or co-deployment opportunities with EMS providers, hospital networks, and public agencies. Its broader goal is to establish a U.S. hub for emergency innovation, integrating AI, logistics, and medical readiness to deliver faster, smarter, and more effective response systems nationwide.

Strategic Partnerships Opportunities

Sign up to get notified monthly when new Strategic Partnerships Program opportunities are available on this page, and to receive occasional updates on the program.