The State Department of Corrections may purchase, in the manner provided by law, equipment, raw materials and supplies and engage the supervisory personnel necessary to establish and maintain for this State at the penitentiary or any penal farm or institution now, or hereafter, under control of the department, industries for the utilization of services of convicts in the manufacture or production of such articles or products as may be needed for the construction, operation, maintenance or use of any office, department, institution or agency supported in whole or in part by this State and the political subdivisions thereof.