Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Maryland MEP, part of the MEP National Network, and the Maryland Department of Labor are hosting the Maryland Manufacturing Workforce Summit on March 26 in Columbia, MD.  The event is designed to equip manufacturing leaders and HR professionals with valuable insights, best practices, and emerging trends in addressing workforce challenges. This is an opportunity for professionals to come together and collaborate on the pressing workforce issues within the manufacturing sector.   Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eKTsR2qU #MEPNationalNetwork #Workforce #Manufacturing  

Programs like Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Manufacturing Skills for Success (MS4S) are game changers for second-chance citizens and talent creators for small and medium sized manufacturers.   The MS4S program sees the big picture, from understanding the challenges new hires face to what services employers can offer to help these individuals not only get out but stay out and develop the skillsets needed to be contributing members of society.    During the SXSW panel, “Hope and Dignity: How Second Chance Careers Change Lives” on March 9 in Austin, TX, hear more from Drew Crowe of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance along with James Henry from the Indiana Department of Correction, Purdue MEP Executive Director Ranae Stewart and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Acting Director G. Nagesh R. on the powerful impacts this program is having.    Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dTTHFkCS    #MEPNationalNetwork #MS4S #Manufacturing #Manufacturers #NIST

Small and medium-sized manufacturers that work with their local Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center are saving money, increasing sales, and creating jobs. According to estimates reported by MEP Center manufacturing clients in a third-party survey, the MEP National Network helped manufacturers achieve the following in fiscal year (FY) 2024: ✴️ $15 billion in new and retained sales  ✴️ $5 billion in new client investments  ✴️ $2.6 billion in cost savings  ✴️ Over 108,000 jobs created or retained    Helping manufacturers across the United States and Puerto Rico generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy is what we do.  Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/d7psDvS #MEPNationalNetwork #Impacts #Manufacturers #Manufacturing #Jobs #Technology National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

CIRAS - Iowa State University, Iowa MEP and part of the MEP National Network, facilitates capstone projects for students to work with Iowa industry in areas like product design, machine design, process improvement, and plant layout.  In 2024, Iowa State University students worked with Nestlé Purina, a dog and cat food manufacturer located in Clinton, Iowa, to address a problematic small packaging line. Bags filled with dog and cat food were tipping over, resulting in production stoppages and wasted products. The students’ ideas and recommendations, such as adding a support arm and adjusting some conveyor joints, helped resolve the issue and reduce product loss.  Read their success story and see how the Iowa State University students made a difference for Nestlé Purina. https://lnkd.in/egk-HeTE  #MEPNationalNetwork #Manufacturing #CatFood #DogFood  

U.S. manufacturers have the capabilities and capacities to produce any item needed by our nation’s supply chains. The MEP National Network’s supplier scouting service identifies U.S. manufacturers with specific production and technical capabilities and connects them to new customers in the supply chains of larger companies and government agencies.  See the 30 open supplier scouting opportunities for items that include:   ✅ Indicating post valve assembly  ✅ Flexible magnetic sheet   ✅ Multi-brush cosmetic kit https://lnkd.in/emi9NRi6  #Manufacturing #SupplyChain #MEPNationalNetwork #Manufacturers #NIST

Beyond the immediate skills they bring, second-chance employees often demonstrate dedication to their employers, leading to high retention. This translates to reduced turnover costs, minimized disruption, and a more stable, experienced workforce. By acknowledging these long-term benefits of hiring justice involved citizens, we can create a more sustainable and successful manufacturing talent pipeline. To learn more about the benefits of second-chance hiring and how it has succeeded in Indiana with Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Manufacturing Skills for Success (MS4S) program, check out our upcoming SXSW panel, “Hope and Dignity: How Second Chance Careers Change Lives” on March 9 in Austin, TX. Drew Crowe will also share his journey after prison, how manufacturing saw his potential and what non-traditional skill sets manufacturers are looking for. https://lnkd.in/dTTHFkCS #MEPNationalNetwork #MS4S #Manufacturing #Workforce #Recruitment

Manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. economy and contributes significantly to employment and innovation in our nation. If the U.S. manufacturing sector were its own country, it would be the seventh-largest economy in the world. U.S. manufacturing provides hard-working Americans with well-paying jobs and the ability to provide for their families. It’s also the main driver of innovation in the U.S., responsible for 55% of all patents.  A new Manufacturing Innovation Blog highlights how manufacturing creates jobs, supports local economies, strengthens the nation’s security and leads innovation.   Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/edtqQtmS #Manufacturing #Economy #Employment #Innovation #NIST 

Happy Birthday, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)!  A partner to the U.S. manufacturing sector for more than a century, NIST delivers cutting-edge technology, useful tools and technical assistance that established manufacturers and aspiring start-ups need.  NIST can help our nation’s manufacturers invent, innovate and create new products and services more rapidly and efficiently than their competitors worldwide. Learn about NIST's manufacturing activities, including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program: https://lnkd.in/eFsbfxAa #Manufacturing #Technology #Manufacturers 

The Smart Manufacturing Roadshow, presented by the Virginia Smart Manufacturing Accelerator and CESMII (a Manufacturing USA institute), will be on March 27 at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Disputanta, VA. This full-day event will feature exciting speakers, live demonstrations of smart manufacturing technologies, engaging breakout sessions, a facility tour, and more.  Attendees will explore the latest in smart manufacturing advancements and have an opportunity to connect with industry leaders.  This event is organized by GENEDGE, the Virginia MEP. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eyarSvmG  #SmartManufacturing #NIST  

Impact Washington - NIST MEP is hosting a virtual Supply Chain 101 workshop with TechHelp - Idaho Manufacturing Specialists (Idaho MEP) and the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (Montana MEP). for Pacific Northwest food and beverage manufacturers on March 12 and 13.  This two-day workshop will provide a foundational understanding of supply chain principles, metrics, tools and technology. The webinar will also dive into best practices to support overall business strategy and supply chain optimization.  Learn more about the workshop and register: https://lnkd.in/eHzC95BN  #MEPNationalNetwork #SupplyChain #FoodManufacturing