News

PA State Senator Devlin Robinson (District 37) recently visited Achieva’s Pallets and Packaging facility in Bridgeville, where he saw firsthand how inclusive employment practices are transforming lives, strengthening the local economy, and driving innovation in manufacturing.

Following the tour, Senator Robinson shared his appreciation on social media:
“PA products shipped worldwide! Thank you to @Achieva & The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh for the tour of their Bridgeville facility.”

Achieva’s Bridgeville facility is more than a production site; it is a mission-driven business committed to providing meaningful, competitively paid employment for people with disabilities. Nearly half of the workforce at the facility are people with disabilities working alongside their colleagues to produce more than 10,000 pallets each month.

As one of only two custom pallet shops in Pennsylvania, the facility specializes in meeting the specific needs of its customers. It also creates heat-treated pallets that meet international shipping regulations, thanks to its on-site kiln.

Sustainability is also a cornerstone of the operation. Over 90% of the facility’s materials are recycled. Even sawdust is repurposed and sent to local horse farms, minimizing waste and supporting the local agricultural community.

Key highlights from Senator Robinson’s visit included:

• Inclusive, competitive employment: Employees with disabilities are valued contributors earning competitive wages for meaningful work.
• Economic impact: The facility supports both global distribution and local job creation.
• Sustainable practices: The team recycles nearly all materials, aligning with environmental best practices.
• Global reach: With kiln-treated pallets, Achieva’s Pallets and Packaging facility provides pallets that meet international shipping standards.
• Mission with momentum: Achieva continues to show how businesses that prioritize equity and inclusion can drive strong economic and social returns.

Achieva’s Pallets and Packaging continues to grow and plans for renovation and new equipment purchase to expand operations, proving that integrated employment is not just possible—it’s essential.

With community support and visionary leadership, the Bridgeville facility is poised for even greater impact in the years ahead.

However, the mounting maintenance costs of our aging equipment have become a challenging financial burden. By investing in modern automated equipment, we can increase our production capacity, strengthen our operational sustainability, and create additional employment opportunities for the people with disabilities.

With your support, we will modernize and improve accessibility, including updates to bathrooms and employee areas, which will enhance both productivity and employee retention, allowing us to sustain and create meaningful employment opportunities
for people with disabilities.