A new online portal to identify the needs of Pennsylvania manufacturers that are, or could, provide products for the COVID-19 pandemic was launched over the weekend by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Just a few weeks ago, manufacturers in Pennsylvania faced a hiring crisis with seasoned, skilled employees retiring and not enough young people choosing manufacturing careers to replace them. That dynamic has shifted dramatically in just the past few weeks, said Richard Hobbs, executive director of the Manufacturers Resource Center in the Lehigh Valley.

Harvest Health & Recreation, a Tempe, Arizona–based multi-state cannabis operator, said it closed on the acquisition of Franklin Labs LLC, a subsidiary of CannaPharmacy, for about $25.5 million. The acquisition, payable with $15.5 million in cash and a $10 million promissory note, includes a 46,800-square-foot cultivation and manufacturing/processing facility in Reading.

Julabo USA, a company in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, is among those businesses that’s staying open because it is helping to equip pharmaceutical companies that are working on vaccines, research, and drug therapies to directly combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bethlehem’s St. Luke’s and Filament Innovations of Coplay, as well as 3D manufacturer ProtoCAM of Upper Macungie Township, have teamed up to produce 3D printed masks and face shields for health care providers to help protect them from COVID-19.

Robesonia-based Reading Alloys has been sold by its parent company for $250 million.

LifeAire Systems, an Upper Macungie Township company that creates in-duct air purification systems that remove airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, is looking to produce more. The company developed the technology for the in vitro fertilization industry and installed it in its first hospital a couple years ago.

Bethlehem’s Just Born has now decided to close its production facility through at least April 7 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

A former local startup is expanding once again. EcoTech Marine, which began in Bethlehem as a small operation selling high-end aquarium pumps, is moving back to Bethlehem for its third expansion.

Just Born, which manufactures PEEPS and Mike & Ikes in Bethlehem said it will continue operations, while adjusting to extra precautions because of the coronavirus.