Congressman McGovern: $400,000 Award to MassMEP A Boost to Massachusetts Manufacturing Sector

New Funding Will Accelerate Outreach and Training for Defense Supply Chain

Worcester, MA, June 26, 2015

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) welcomed the news that MassDevelopment has awarded $400,000 to the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) to help accelerate their outreach and training programs for the defense supply chain.

The funds are part of a $1,475,588 grant to MassDevelopment from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake economic adjustment activities in Massachusetts. MassDevelopment works to identify gaps and resources available to the manufacturing companies in the defense industry that will be impacted by sequestration.

“With strong partners like MassDevelopment and MassMEP, it’s clear that Massachusetts will continue to be a leader in the manufacturing sector and support the good-paying jobs that help our families succeed and our communities grow. This award will be a big boost for Massachusetts manufacturers and a strong investment in our economy,” Congressman Jim McGovern said. “I am pleased that the Defense Department has recognized the leading role MassDevelopment is playing to support the local manufacturing companies helping to supply our brave men and women in uniform. Working together we can help our companies continue to fuel the strong economic growth our families need.”

“MassDevelopment works with both the defense and manufacturing sectors, two critical, economically intertwined areas of the Massachusetts innovation economy,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassMEP plays a leadership role in strengthening manufacturers, and we look forward to working with such a fine organization on its important efforts.”

Jack Healy, President of MassMEP stated, “It is a privilege to be chosen to assist the Defense Supplier Network in our state in this endeavor. The variety and unique range of technologies provided by enterprises within this network make it imperative that we help them to competitively position their firms for a future of diminishing defense funding."

The MassDevelopment project, funded by the federal Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), will develop a proactive response to mitigate the potential impact of federal defense budget cuts and sequestration on an industry that has become increasingly dependent on defense contracts. The project will map a strategy to capitalize on the Commonwealth's competitive advantage within its defense industry, conducting a comprehensive economic diversification study and developing an implementation strategy to create an economic base that becomes less dependent on defense contracting.

Establishing a Baseline for Defense Industry

The study will be conducted in two distinct, yet interdependent, phases. Phase I, "Setting the Stage for Action," will address the assessment and economic diversification approach. Phase II, "Taking Action," will address the implementation strategy and sustainability.

MassMEP will focus on:

The potential for expanding technology transfer and identifying methods to accelerate the commercialization of defense-related products, and
Identifying the potential for new applications of defense-related products and expanding the defense industry customer base.

The challenges budget cuts present provide an opportunity to identify new economic growth sectors related to assets in the industry. MassMEP will identify potential support services, create enterprise clusters, and develop other innovative techniques to identify, recruit, and grow development of a supply chain for Massachusetts' manufacturers.

Using the services provided in the MassDevelopment OEA grant and MassMEP's existing resources, MassMEP will be able to assist manufacturing companies in identifying additional opportunities for growth and employee retention.

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, achievement, and next generation manufacturing. For more information, visit www.massmep.org 

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