MEP National Network

The MEP Program in 2024: Putting the Pieces Together

December 20, 2024

It’s no secret: I love Legos. When I was a child growing up in upstate New York, Legos (along with comic books, action figures, and my creative imagination)

From the Garden State to the Magnolia State: Mississippi Polymer Institute Provides Solutions to Technology Challenges

November 22, 2024

As a manufacturer, you sometimes face technical challenges beyond the scope of your in-house expertise or experience. It is important to focus on finding the

Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers: How Building Community Helps Build Your Business

August 27, 2024

Networking and community building should be part of your mix when marketing for manufacturers. Read our blog to learn why.

Lisa Dach: Bringing Change to Manufacturing

August 13, 2024

“There is a tremendous opportunity for women to influence the manufacturing industry in a positive way,” says Lisa Dach, the strategic business advisor at the

Alyssa Rodrigues: Forging a New Path for Women and Small Manufacturers in Alaska

July 16, 2024

For Alyssa Rodrigues, director of the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) , helping women achieve success in manufacturing is more than a job, it’s

Tap into a new talent pool to fill your workforce gaps: Second chance citizens

June 5, 2024

Learn how Purdue MEP's Manufacturing Skills for Success (MS4S) program equips second chance citizens with vital manufacturing skills to transition into the

The MEP National Network’s Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network: Helping Manufacturers Bridge Gaps

May 31, 2024

When a foreign company wants to manufacture goods in the U.S., it needs new domestic suppliers for just about everything. When such an initiative involves new

Leading the MEP Program – and Giving Back to this Land of Hope and Promise

May 29, 2024

This blog is part of a series celebrating and sharing the stories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander manufacturing leaders. As Acting

Right Where I Belong: Creating a Place for Myself in Manufacturing

April 10, 2024

I knew I wanted to work in a manufacturing environment the whole time I was earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering. I’ve come a long

Making it Happen in a Man’s World

March 30, 2024

With a career of more than 40 years in the manufacturing industry, I can look back now and see that I was greatly influenced by my father, who worked for an

If You Build It, They Will Come – Opening Day Musings From a Baseball Fan

March 28, 2024

Baseball’s Opening Day brings with it both nostalgia and excitement. You don’t have to be a die-hard fan to appreciate the dedicated folks who leave work early

Rachel Camarillo: Blazing a Trail for Women in Manufacturing

March 8, 2024

This blog is part of a series highlighting women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. When Rachel Camarillo was a little girl growing up in

When a Friendly Check-In Call Changes Your Career Path

February 21, 2024

As CEO of International Filter Manufacturing Corporation (IFM), I lead an air filtration manufacturing and distribution company that serves customers worldwide

North Carolina MEP Brought Me Back Home 25 Years Ago

February 2, 2024

As Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), located on the campus of North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh

Integrating Sustainability: Insights from the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council

February 1, 2024

Manufacturers are under increasing pressure from consumers, retailers, investors, and regulatory agencies to act on sustainability and to verify the

Manufacturing Internships Expand the Talent Pipeline

January 24, 2024

Manufacturing internships are one of the most effective methods for building your company’s talent pipeline. In my role as project manager for workforce

Mapping Your Supply Chains Helps Prioritize Risks, Actions

January 16, 2024

As a manufacturer you understand that supply chain disruptions happen all the time. What you don’t know is when or how they will impact your operation and

Precision Machine & Manufacturing Improves Oversight, Production and Sales Processes Through Continuous Improvement Principles

January 9, 2024

Precision Machine & Manufacturing (PMM) was established in 1997. Based in Eugene, Oregon, this manufacturer has been setting the industry standards for

Increasing C-Suite Financial Literacy for Manufacturing Success

January 3, 2024

Without a basic grasp of financial concepts at the C-suite (executive) level, small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) may be limited in their ability to

What You Should Know About the Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network

December 21, 2023

The 51 Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers that make up the MEP National Network™ work to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized

Need a Green Workforce? Look No Further than the Manufacturing Extension Partnership

December 18, 2023

45% annual growth. It’s a number that could make any workforce or economic development professional’s eyes pop out of their sockets. I was literally blown away

FastLane Helps Triangle Precision Increase Capacity With Automation

December 8, 2023

Triangle Precision, located in Kettering, Ohio, provides close tolerance precision machining, forming, and fabrication to many vital industries including

Expanding on the Success of a Regional Registered Apprenticeship Program

December 1, 2023

The current talent pipeline for manufacturing is not adequate to fill existing job openings, let alone the number of skilled workers that will be needed in the

Video: Heroes of American Manufacturing – Mayville Engineering

November 22, 2023

Small and medium-sized manufacturers know that employees are their most important asset. Without employee commitment, no company can succeed. Mayville

Illuminating Possibilities to Achieve ISO Certification

November 7, 2023

Enova Illumination, a client of Enterprise Minnesota (Minnesota MEP), is a leading provider of LED surgical headlights, magnification systems, and other

Infographic – Integrating Cybersecurity With Industry 4.0: What It Means for Manufacturing

October 26, 2023

Did you know that manufacturing is now the most targeted industry for cyber attacks? The average cost of a data breach for a small business is $105,000. Can

10 Ways TWI Supports Employee Engagement and Retention

October 18, 2023

Workforce challenges these days are never-ending, not just for manufacturers but across the business spectrum. You have to be on top of your game to be

Find Unique Workforce Solutions for Your Firm: A New Interactive Map Showcases MEP National Network Workforce Programs, Services and Trainings

October 12, 2023

How can small firms without in-house expertise help their staff learn new skills? It’s not easy when resources are tight and staff are pulled in a million

Building the Future Workforce on Manufacturing Day, Oct. 6

October 6, 2023

Young adults have many choices when it comes to their future careers. Some have a clear career path in mind, whether it’s pursuing a college degree, enlisting

Cost Containment Review Will Save Money, Provide Supply Chain Resiliency

September 19, 2023

Like many manufacturers, you may feel you are paying fair prices to your suppliers. Maybe you have a strong procurement team, great relationships with your

Manufacturing Innovation Blog