THE GROWTH OF ‘MADE IN NEW JERSEY’ – ESSENTIAL MANUFACTURERS NEED TO BE HIGHLIGHTED
Manufacturing businesses are essential in New Jersey. The workforce is considered essential personnel. For decades manufacturing as an industry was being forgotten. Unfortunately, it took a global pandemic to highlight just how crucial local manufacturing is to the entire nation.
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program underwent a transformation.
‘MADE IN NEW JERSEY’ IS OFFICIAL
‘MADE in New Jersey’ is similar to the ’Made in USA’ sticker found on American-made products. At first, the ”MADE in New Jersey’ was handled entirely by the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP). NJMEP would vet companies and approve or deny their request based on their manufacturing presence here in the Garden State. Over the past few years NJMEP’s collaboration with the State of New Jersey has increased exponentially thanks a great deal to the New Jersey Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. Now the State of New Jersey recognizes the importance of the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ title and it has become an official business directory of New Jersey manufacturing companies.
This massive step forward for the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program greatly expands the validity of the title and gives participating manufacturers an incredible amount of exposure at no cost.
One of the first changes to the program was its logo. Including “Essential Manufacturer” was a necessity at the start of the pandemic. Manufacturing heroes from all over the state were displaying their “Essential Manufacturer” ‘MADE in New Jersey’ logos at their facilities. The combination of that powerful statement with the New Jersey seal shows just how important the industry, and its workforce is to the state.
GROWTH OF ‘MADE IN NEW JERSEY’
Popularity of the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program skyrocketed throughout the pandemic. Manufacturers were actively working to show the world that their products were made domestically and considered essential.
Along with the logo to include on a manufacturer’s website, every ‘MADE in New Jersey’ manufacturing company is provided with a complimentary ‘MADE in New Jersey’ profile on NJMEP.org. This directory of manufacturers includes their website, company description, contact information, and product photos and/or videos.
During a time when the business environment was uncertain, orders slowed, and the business landscape shifted, additional exposure and brand visibility was vital. The ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program provided all that and more.
Hundreds of New Jersey manufacturers are official ‘MADE in New Jersey’ businesses. 11,000 manufacturing and STEM firms call this state their home. Each one can expand their brand-visibility and show customers exactly where their products are manufactured just by becoming an official “MADE in New Jersey’ business. Participation is expanding, rapidly. The logo can be seen on the parkway stuck to cars and trucks. It can be seen walking through industrial parks as businesses began positing their “Essential Manufacturer” logo on their buildings. Manufacturers are incorporating their ‘MADE in New Jersey’ branding on their websites.
HOW TO BECOME ‘MADE IN NEW JERSEY’
Every manufacturer currently making products in New Jersey is eligible to join the official ‘MADE in New Jersey’ listing. Participation is completely complimentary and there are no obligations. The goal of the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program is to highlight the states incredible manufacturers and to provide these businesses with a no-cost way to promote their business.
Registering only takes a couple minutes. There are no requirements besides having a manufacturing presence in the state. Once a business signs up, they become an officially recognized ‘MADE in New Jersey’ company.
As the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program expands, the logo will mean more. Changing the public’s perception of the industry begins with education. Many don’t understand that New Jersey is still manufacturing. Joining the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program helps businesses spread the word about their products and services but at the same time helps show the world that manufacturing is alive and well in the Garden State. Join the ‘MADE in New Jersey’ program by visiting njmep.org/ made-in-new-jersey.
MADE IN NEW JERSEY BENEFITS:
ALL NEW MINJ MEMBERS ARE LISTED IN MANUFACTURING MATTERS MAGAZINE
Manufacturing Matters is distributed to over 14,000 business leaders throughout New Jersey.
HAVE A CHANCE TO BE SELECTED AS “MANUFACTURER OF THE WEEK”
One MINJ member is highlighted and shared via all of NJMEP social media networks each week.
A PROFILE PAGE ON NJMEP’S WEBSITE SHOWCASING YOUR COMPANY
Improve your company’s brand awareness and search engine ranking.
DISPLAY THE MADE IN NEW JERSEY LOGO ON YOUR WEBSITE
Show businesses and customers visiting your website that you manufacture products here in NJ.
RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL MADE IN NEW JERSEY PLAQUE TO DISPLAY ON SITE
Showcase your New Jersey pride by displaying an official MINJ plaque at your manufacturing facility. Available upon request.