Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership gets nearly $14 million in funding
February 24, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center has been awarded $13.79 million in federal funding over the next five years to serve the competitive needs of small and mid-sized manufacturers in Indiana.
The funding, which quadruples the size of the center, allows for a dramatically increased presence in critical manufacturing areas across the state; increases services for small, emerging and rural firms; and provides a stronger focus on services related to product, customer and market growth.
The funding was awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which is committed to strengthening U.S. manufacturing. The MEP program consists of centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
The Purdue MEP Center has a history of high marks within the national program's performance metrics. More significantly, the center has helped its clients collectively achieve more than $1.2 billion of economic impact in Indiana.
In the past decade, the organization has provided on-site assistance to more than 950 manufacturing clients with services such as lean manufacturing assessment and implementation, Six Sigma certification, quality improvement, supply chain optimization, energy efficiency and sustainability, and quality management systems.
Purdue MEP Center will use the increased funding and resources to reach even more of Indiana's 8,200 manufacturers.
"We are thrilled to expand our work with Indiana manufacturers and appreciate that NIST MEP has accepted our proposal, known as the Made in Indiana 2020 plan," said David Snow, Purdue TAP's manufacturing director. "Our proposal builds upon our competencies in productivity and management systems, as well as our role as a client engagement manager to many other Purdue assets. Once fully implemented, we will serve more than 1,000 Indiana manufacturers each year through meaningful, competitive improvement projects."
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, a key partner in the proposal, also anticipates significant impact from the new funding.
"Indiana's manufacturing sector led the nation in job growth last year, with Hoosiers playing a critical role in building the products that power our world," said Eric Doden, IEDC president. "We're proud to support programs like the Purdue MEP because it provides a vital asset for industry, further solidifying Indiana's place as a U.S. manufacturing leader."
About the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Purdue MEP is a business unit of the Purdue Technical Assistance Program, providing high-value solutions to help Indiana businesses maximize their success by increasing profits, reducing costs and implementing growth systems. Purdue TAP's mission is to advance economic prosperity, health and quality of life in Indiana and beyond.
About the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a nationwide system of resources, transforming manufacturers to compete globally, supporting greater supply chain integration, and providing access to technology for improved productivity. MEP is built around manufacturing extension centers locally positioned throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico addressing the critical and often unique needs of America's manufacturers.
About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Gov. Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana secretary of commerce and Eric Doden is IEDC president.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly, including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov
Media contacts: Ranae Stewart, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 317-275-6824, ranaestewart@purdue.edu
Judith Barra Austin, Purdue News Service, 765-494-2432, jbaustin@purdue.edu
Source: David Snow, 317-275-6811, davesnow@purdue.edu
