The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded more than $30 million to Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers in 11 states and Puerto Rico on Sept. 15, funding technical assistance for small and mid-size manufacturers.
The awards support MEP centers that provide on-the-ground guidance to manufacturers adopting advanced production technologies, improving quality systems and building competitiveness, NIST said.
MEP centers serve as the federal government’s front-line advisers to small manufacturers, many of which lack dedicated research and development staff. The centers help companies implement automation, adopt digital manufacturing tools, improve supply chain practices and meet regulatory requirements.
Small and mid-size manufacturers employ millions of Americans and form the backbone of the domestic industrial supply chain. Many serve as critical suppliers to larger defense, aerospace, automotive and consumer goods companies.
The funding comes at a time of intense trade pressure and growing demand for domestic production capacity, NIST said. MEP centers help manufacturers compete with foreign rivals by closing technology adoption gaps and improving operational efficiency.
NIST administers the MEP National Network, which operates centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The network served more than 40,000 manufacturers in its most recent reporting period, according to NIST data.
The $30 million in awards covers operational funding for MEP centers in the 11 recipient states and Puerto Rico. Centers use the funds to hire technical experts, conduct plant assessments and deliver training programs tailored to regional industry needs.
The MEP program has operated since 1988 and has bipartisan congressional support. The National Association of Manufacturers and other industry groups have consistently advocated for sustained MEP funding as a cost-effective tool for strengthening domestic manufacturing competitiveness.