2025: Strengthening NJ Manufacturing Through Action, Innovation, and Unity

January 20, 2026 by Joe Perez

In a year defined by shifting priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving economic pressures, NJMEP stood firm in its mission to support New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. From adapting to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, to navigating trade policy changes, reshoring efforts, and labor challenges, 2025 demanded flexibility and relentless commitment.

But amid uncertainty, NJMEP delivered one of its most impactful years to date.

Whether by rallying the industry to preserve critical funding, expanding hands-on workforce training, elevating the voices of manufacturers through roundtables and statewide events, or hosting both gubernatorial candidates at the largest ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day ever—this was a year of action.

As we enter 2026, NJMEP does so with momentum built not just from milestones, but from the relationships, results, and resolve that defined 2025. Below are highlights from a transformative year in support of the Garden State’s manufacturers.

Expanding Support Statewide: Meeting Challenges Head-On

Throughout 2025, NJMEP continued to grow its statewide presence, supporting manufacturers across all 21 counties, including an expanded footprint in South Jersey. As regional manufacturers confronted global shifts in supply chains, reshoring opportunities, tariff impacts, and the rise of automation and AI, NJMEP remained a reliable and proactive partner.

Programs were tailored to meet emerging needs—from data-driven insights on production optimization to AI-readiness conversations—and the organization doubled down on providing clear, actionable guidance at a time when agility mattered most.

These efforts reinforced NJMEP’s role not just as a training and consulting resource, but as a trusted advocate and strategic ally, helping manufacturers remain competitive in a complex global economy.

Workforce Development: Skills for Today & Tomorrow

2025 reaffirmed NJMEP’s unwavering commitment to workforce development through two cornerstone initiatives: the Hands-On Workforce Training Center and the Future Makers & Creators Tour. These efforts, designed to support both today’s workers and tomorrow’s innovators, continued to evolve and expand, delivering tangible impact across the state.

Hands-On Workforce Training Center: A Hub for Upskilling

A year after its debut, NJMEP’s Hands-On Workforce Training Center in Cedar Knolls firmly established itself as a premier destination for technical training and career readiness. Equipped with state-of-the-art tools—from robotic arms to AR welding simulators—the center delivered industry-aligned training to both job seekers and incumbent workers.

Manufacturers leveraged this dedicated space to upskill teams, while individual learners developed high-demand competencies that helped them thrive in the field. In every course delivered, the facility demonstrated NJMEP’s commitment to workforce development that is practical, strategic, and future-focused.

Future Makers & Creators Tour: A Growing Movement

In partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), NJMEP’s Future Makers & Creators Tour entered its most impactful year yet in 2025. Powered by the Mobile Training Lab, the tour continued to bring hands-on manufacturing experiences directly to students across New Jersey, equipping the next generation with the exposure and inspiration to pursue careers in the field.

At each tour stop, students were given the chance to engage with real, modern manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers, robotic arms, CNC mills, and augmented reality welding simulators. These hands-on experiences were paired with face-to-face conversations with local manufacturers, giving students direct access to the people driving today’s industry forward. Through these experiences, students learned how modern manufacturing is defined not by assembly lines of the past, but by precision and purpose.

This year’s tour featured stops in numerous counties and schools, including:

Mercer County – Trenton HS
Somerset Count – Hillsborough HS
Morris County – Morristown HS
Monmouth County – Monmouth Regional HS
Hunterdon County – Hunterdon Central Regional HS
Burlington County – Willingboro HS
Hudson County – iLearn School (Junior HS)
Warren County – Phillipsburg HS

Among the many impactful stops in 2025, two stood out as milestone moments.

Highlights from the 2025 Tour included a special visit to Trenton High School, where Mayor Reed Gusciora declared February 7, 2025, as “Makers and Creators Day”, officially recognizing the tour’s role in preparing the city’s youth for the workforce of tomorrow.

Another major highlight took place at the STEM Day event hosted at the Prudential Center with the New Jersey Devils, where hundreds of elementary school students explored how science, engineering, and math apply to everything from slapshots to Zambonis. The event proved that STEM—and manufacturing—is not only vital, but exciting and accessible.

This initiative continues to serve as a vital pipeline for introducing students to an industry that’s evolving fast and needs the talent, passion, and ideas they have to offer.

State-of-the-State of Manufacturing: A Rallying Cry for Industry

No single event in 2025 carried more urgency than the State-of-the-State of Manufacturing Summit.

As NJMEP’s state funding faced unprecedented uncertainty, the industry mobilized—joining policymakers, associations, and business leaders in Trenton to advocate for the continued investment in manufacturing support services.

Hosted in partnership with New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) through the “Manufacturing Counts” initiative, the summit gave manufacturers direct access to lawmakers via caucus sessions, committee meetings, and open dialogue. These moments weren’t just symbolic; they resulted in stronger relationships and a renewed understanding in Trenton of how critical manufacturing is to the state’s economy.

Thanks to these efforts, NJMEP’s funding was restored, ensuring thousands of manufacturers can continue receiving essential workforce, operational, and growth support.

The summit also featured the debut of Makers Madness – The Coolest Thing MADE in NJ, a statewide contest highlighting local innovation and creativity.

‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day: Record-Breaking Momentum

In 2025, the 13th Annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day stood out as one of the most impactful industry gatherings in recent memory. With more than 1,000 manufacturing leaders, educators, students, and policymakers in attendance, this year’s event set a new attendance record and reaffirmed New Jersey’s status as a national hub for innovation and industrial excellence.

Held on October 3 at iPlay America in Freehold, the event brought together the manufacturing ecosystem in a way few occasions can—offering space for connection, celebration, and forward‑focused dialogue. Participants experienced live demonstrations, breakout sessions, dynamic exhibits, and meaningful opportunities to network with peers, customers, and future talent.

A hallmark of this year’s celebration was the rare opportunity for attendees to hear from both gubernatorial candidates—Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli—in moderated discussions shaped by questions submitted directly by manufacturers. Their participation underscored the priority manufacturing holds in New Jersey’s economic strategy, providing businesses with insight into how future leadership may approach workforce development, infrastructure, reshoring, and other sector priorities.

Beyond its scale, this year’s ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day highlighted the industry’s resilience and adaptability. It served as both a showcase of New Jersey’s manufacturing achievements and a powerful reminder of the role this sector plays in driving economic opportunity and community growth across the state.

Manufacturing Legislative Roundtables: Policy Meets the Plant Floor

Throughout the year, NJMEP hosted Manufacturing Legislative Roundtables with state policymakers, bringing elected officials face-to-face with manufacturers in their districts.

Each session offered insights into region-specific challenges—from zoning and infrastructure to talent pipelines and energy costs—and allowed manufacturers to provide direct feedback on the policies that affect their daily operations.

Roundtables included impactful discussions with:

Senator Holly Schepisi
Senator Michael Testa
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort
Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan

These conversations fostered transparency and collaboration, helping ensure that legislation shaping the industry reflects the voices of those within it.

Women in Manufacturing Luncheon: Continuing a Powerful Tradition

Held at the elegant Highlawn in West Orange, the 2025 Women in Manufacturing Luncheon was a heartfelt continuation of a growing tradition—one that celebrates, uplifts, and unites women in all areas of the manufacturing ecosystem. Now in its fourth year, the event once again provided space for women across the industry to come together in shared purpose, reflection, and empowerment.

What made this year’s gathering especially impactful was the diversity of voices in the room. Representatives from small manufacturers, large enterprises, educational institutions, and industry support organizations were all in attendance, creating a dynamic cross-section of New Jersey’s manufacturing network. With every conversation, the community moved one step closer to a more inclusive, equitable, and inspired future for the sector.

The sisterhood on display is a testament to what happens when women are given not just a seat at the table, but a platform to shape the direction of the industry itself.

NJ Manufacturing Network: Uniting Resources for Industry Growth

In 2025, a groundbreaking initiative took shape that had never existed before in New Jersey’s manufacturing ecosystem—the New Jersey Manufacturing Network (NJMN). Spearheaded by the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), this network represents a first‑of‑its‑kind, unified resource hub designed to simplify access to support, programs, and services for manufacturers across the state.

The network was created in response to the challenges manufacturers face from workforce development and training to financing, regulatory navigation, and growth strategy. Rather than having to navigate multiple agencies and organizations independently, manufacturers now have a central access point that connects them directly to the expertise, tools, and opportunities they need to succeed.

At its core, the New Jersey Manufacturing Network brings together a coalition of committed partners, each with unique expertise and a shared mission to elevate manufacturing in the Garden State:

By consolidating these partners into one accessible network, it offers manufacturers a streamlined way to find support for hiring and training talent, identifying funding or incentive programs, and navigating regulatory or operational challenges.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Powered by Partnership & Purpose

2025 wasn’t just a year of challenges; it was a year of progress, resilience, and breakthroughs.

With statewide tours, record-setting events, preserved funding, and stronger policy partnerships, NJMEP ends this year more connected to the manufacturing community than ever before.

We are proud of the impact made, but even more excited for what’s next.

To all our partners, manufacturers, policymakers, and supporters—thank you. Your voice, engagement, and collaboration made 2025 a success.

Want to get involved in 2026?

Contact us to learn how you can help shape the future of manufacturing in New Jersey.