About

Born from Franklin’s industrial roots, the Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (FICDA) has transformed a historic manufacturing site into a
thriving hub for business growth. Today, we’re home to 21 businesses and more than 800 employees, providing the space, resources, and support entrepreneurs need to succeed.

The Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (FICDA) was born out of both challenge and opportunity. When the Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, once one of Franklin’s largest employers, closed its doors, it left behind a massive 400,000+ square-foot facility and a deep void in the local economy. Instead of letting that loss define the community, the facility was donated to FICDA, and in 1985, the organization was established to transform the site into a hub for new business and opportunity.

                   Venango Area Industrial Complex (VAIC)

What began as a daunting project—a century-old industrial complex in need of major updates—became a story of reinvention. With the help of federal, state, and local partners, FICDA modernized the Venango Area Industrial Complex and turned it into a business incubator, providing affordable space, flexible leases, and critical support to entrepreneurs and small and mid-size manufacturers.What began as a daunting project—a century-old industrial complex in need of major updates—became a story of reinvention. With the help of federal, state, and local partners, FICDA modernized the Venango Area Industrial Complex and turned it into a business incubator, providing affordable space, flexible leases, and critical support to entrepreneurs and small and mid-size manufacturers.

By 1988, just a few years after opening, FICDA had eight tenants employing 139 people. Today, the complex is home to 21 businesses and more than 800 employees. Many of these companies have grown beyond our walls, moving into their own facilities across the region and strengthening the community’s economic base.

FICDA continues to build on this legacy of resilience and innovation. As the owner and operator of both the Venango Area Industrial Complex (VAIC) and the Emerging Technology Center (ETC), our mission is to help businesses start, grow, and thrive. We provide more than space—we provide opportunity, resources, and a community where ideas can take root and industries can expand.

From our history of turning loss into growth to our present role in supporting the next generation of businesses, FICDA is proud to be an engine of economic development for Franklin and the surrounding areas.