2024: A Year of Growth, Collaboration, and Impact
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that this year was one of transformation and forward momentum for NJMEP and the manufacturing community across New Jersey. Guided by a commitment to addressing industry challenges head-on, NJMEP approached 2024 with ambitious goals: strengthening workforce development, building meaningful partnerships, and ensuring that manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy. This year marked a period of extraordinary progress, with each initiative reinforcing NJMEP’s unwavering dedication to the manufacturing community. Here’s a look back at the highlights of 2024 and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Building Bridges and Strengthening Foundations in New Jersey Manufacturing
In 2024, NJMEP focused on expanding its reach to better serve New Jersey’s diverse manufacturing landscape, with a strategic emphasis on South Jersey. Historically overlooked in state-level industrial development, South Jersey holds immense untapped potential, including its proximity to key transportation hubs and its robust community of small and medium-sized manufacturers. To address this opportunity, NJMEP established a new office at Rowan Technology Park—a critical step toward fostering local connections, providing direct support, and enabling manufacturers in this region to tap into the full suite of NJMEP’s services. This move not only solidifies NJMEP’s presence in South Jersey but also reinforces its mission to create equity in manufacturing resources across the state.
Strengthening supply chain transparency was another defining focus of the year. By providing manufacturers with the tools and insights to better understand their supply chains, NJMEP helped clients identify risks, optimize processes, and strengthen relationships with suppliers. These efforts not only improved operational efficiency but also positioned New Jersey manufacturers as reliable contributors to the nation’s broader supply chain infrastructure.
A standout moment of the year was NJMEP’s support for the commissioning of the USS New Jersey Fast Attack Submarine. This remarkable milestone underscored the vital role New Jersey manufacturers play in national defense. From advanced materials to precision engineering, the state’s manufacturing community made a lasting impact on this project, reflecting its capability to support initiatives of both state and national importance.
Workforce Development: Building a Stronger Manufacturing Talent Pipeline
In 2024, NJMEP introduced transformative training resources that reflect its commitment to empowering manufacturers and their workforce with the tools and skills needed to thrive in a competitive, technology-driven landscape.
Bridging the Skills Gap
This year marked the opening of NJMEP’s Hands-On Workforce Training Center, a cutting-edge facility located in the Cedar Knolls office that’s designed to address the manufacturing skills gap. Outfitted with advanced manufacturing technologies—including CNC machines, robotic systems, 3D printers, and augmented reality welding simulators—and conventional tools like lathes, drill presses, measuring equipment and more, the center provides participants with hands-on experience that directly mirrors real-world manufacturing environments. For businesses, this means having easy access to upskill their current employees and tap into a pipeline of job-ready talent, ensuring productivity and competitiveness in a global market.
Complementing this, in collaboration with Universal Robots, NJMEP became New Jersey’s first Authorized Training Partner in the Universal Robots Training Academy network. This initiative has made cutting-edge robotics training accessible to manufacturers across the state. The academy focuses on equipping workers with practical skills in collaborative robotics (cobots), such as programming, troubleshooting, and integration. Unlike traditional robotics, cobots are designed to assist, not replace, human workers. Through hands-on training sessions, the academy teaches manufacturers how to program, operate, and integrate cobots into their processes, enabling them to reduce costs, improve production quality, and scale their businesses.
Makers and Creators: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Future Makers & Creators Tour developed in partnership with NJEDA and NJMEP is a groundbreaking initiative designed to educate and inspire students about the evolving field of modern manufacturing. On a mission to bridge the gap between education and industry, the tour featured hands-on experiences with advanced manufacturing technologies and introduces these students to local manufacturers which could be their future employers.
At the heart of this initiative was the Mobile Training Lab, which made its debut this year. Fully equipped with advanced manufacturing tools, the mobile classroom delivered state-of-the-art manufacturing training directly to students.
Throughout 2024, the tour reached and inspired students at schools across New Jersey, including Piscataway High School in Middlesex County, Plainfield High School in Union County, Orange High School in Essex County, Camden High School in Camden County, iLearn High School in Bergen County, and Passaic High School in Passaic County. At each stop, students had the opportunity to interact with local manufacturers, gaining firsthand insights into the industry and the various career paths it offers.
NJDMCC: Supporting Veterans and Building Defense Capabilities
This year the New Jersey Defense Manufacturing Community Consortium (NJDMCC) demonstrated its profound impact on both individuals and the manufacturing sector by aligning veteran talent with defense manufacturing needs. This initiative not only addressed critical workforce gaps but also bolstered the resilience and capacity of the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain.
The NJDMCC placed a significant emphasis on creating opportunities for veterans, ensuring they could transition seamlessly into the manufacturing industry. Over 200 veterans received training, nationally recognized certifications, and have access to placement support into New Jersey’s thriving manufacturing workforce. These efforts not only provided veterans with fulfilling and stable careers but also brought a wealth of discipline, expertise, and leadership to the companies they joined.
The NJDMCC is also working to empower nearly 100 manufacturers, providing them with the tools, guidance, and connections needed to navigate the complexities of the DoD supply chain. For existing suppliers, it is providing strategies to expand current government contracts and improve operational efficiency.
Together, the NJDMCC, manufacturers, and veterans are creating a stronger, more integrated manufacturing ecosystem in New Jersey.
Partnerships: Strengthening Collaboration Across New Jersey and Beyond
The past year also expanded and deepened its partnerships, working closely with organizations that share the mission to support manufacturers, strengthen the workforce, and enhance economic development.
Collaborating with DVIRC to Support the Submarine Industrial Base
NJMEP’s partnership with the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC), Philadelphia’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), exemplifies how cross-regional collaboration can address national priorities. Together, these organizations have supported efforts to enhance the Submarine Industrial Base, a critical component of the Department of Defense supply chain. By pooling expertise and resources, NJMEP and DVIRC are helping manufacturers meet the rigorous standards of this specialized sector while positioning New Jersey and Pennsylvania businesses as key contributors to U.S. defense capabilities.
Extending Partnership with NJBIA to Elevate Manufacturing Advocacy
A key milestone in the collaboration between NJMEP and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) was the transition of hosting responsibilities for the State-of-the-State of Manufacturing Summit to NJBIA. Held at the State House, this influential event has become a cornerstone for highlighting the opportunities and challenges shaping New Jersey’s manufacturing sector.
NJBIA’s leadership of the summit reinforced the impact of manufacturing advocacy at the highest levels, ensuring that New Jersey manufacturers have a strong presence in policy conversations that shape the state’s economic future. Through this collaborative approach, NJMEP and NJBIA have established a stronger platform for driving meaningful change. Together, the organizations continue to demonstrate the power of partnerships in elevating manufacturing’s role as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s economy.
Partnering with Junior Achievement to Inspire Young Innovators
This year marked an exciting new chapter in NJMEP’s partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) as the organization proudly unveiled its very own storefront in JA BizTown, an interactive learning environment that introduces students to the world of business and careers. This collaboration represents NJMEP’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry by providing young learners with direct exposure to manufacturing’s vital role in the economy. The NJMEP storefront offers students a hands-on experience where they can explore manufacturing and business functions in a realistic, simulated setting.
Programs like JA BizTown play a crucial role in addressing one of manufacturing’s biggest challenges: creating a robust pipeline of future talent. Beyond education, this partnership with Junior Achievement is about inspiring the next generation to explore their potential within manufacturing and cultivating a new wave of skilled professionals who will shape the industry’s future.
Celebrating Community and Impact Through Events
2024’s events highlighted the strength, resilience, and forward momentum of New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. These gatherings went beyond traditional celebrations—they became platforms for connection, collaboration, and action.
‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day: A Milestone for Industry Impact
The 12th Annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day set a new standard for celebrating New Jersey’s manufacturing community. As the largest event in its history, it brought together manufacturers, students, and industry leaders to spotlight the immense contributions of the sector to the state’s economy and future. The event served as a powerful platform for fostering connections, sharing innovative ideas, and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in manufacturing. Manufacturers shared their expertise, students engaged with cutting-edge technologies, and leaders exchanged strategies to tackle industry challenges. The event reaffirmed New Jersey’s position as a hub of manufacturing innovation and collaboration.
Looking ahead to the 13th Annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day, NJMEP is eager to build on this momentum. With even more opportunities to connect, innovate, and inspire, the event promises to drive the industry forward and celebrate the achievements of every important player in the sector.
Women in Manufacturing Luncheon: Championing Diversity and Progress
The Third Annual Women in Manufacturing Luncheon demonstrated the growing strength and influence of women within New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. With over 100 women manufacturing leaders gathered in Red Bank, the event became a platform for dialogue and action to address the challenges women face in manufacturing and to celebrate their successes. Through impactful presentations, NJMEP’s women leaders also shared insights on industry trends, workforce development strategies, and the importance of mentorship in empowering women and young girls to pursue careers in manufacturing.
Beyond its success in attendance, the event underscored a deeper impact: the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, inspire one another, and spark progress. As the event grows year after year, it continues to pave the way for a more equitable and dynamic manufacturing landscape in New Jersey.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Building on a Year of Success
As we close the chapter on an extraordinary 2024, NJMEP reflects on the achievements that have strengthened New Jersey’s manufacturing community and shaped its future. From empowering the workforce and fostering collaboration to celebrating innovation and inclusivity, this year has set a high bar.
Looking forward to 2025, NJMEP remains committed to driving even greater impact—expanding initiatives, deepening partnerships, and inspiring progress across the industry. Together, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and elevate manufacturing in the Garden State. Here’s to another year of success and opportunity!
Want to be part of this exciting journey? Contact us today! Visit our Contact Page to learn how you can get involved and make an impact.