Manufacturing Extension Launches $250,000 ‘Year of Advocacy’

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program announced Wednesday its contribution of $250,000 in value to New Jersey’s manufacturing community by creating a new “Year of Advocacy” program.

Geared toward helping state manufacturers increase sales, reduce costs, improve efficiencies and spur job creation, the NJMEP will continue to develop a variety of initiatives and programs throughout the year to directly support its core efforts.

“The manufacturing industry is critical to New Jersey’s economic health. We’re home to over 9,100 manufacturing establishments, and more than 247,000 workers are employed through manufacturing,” said Tony DeSantis, NJMEP’s senior vice president.

“Our programs will help New Jersey’s manufacturers become more profitable and globally competitive, all while spreading awareness about the importance of U.S. manufacturing.”

Programs will include complimentary training days and workshops, industry symposiums and scheduled plant tours for students, and no-cost process and facility assessments.

NJMEP also will continue with its recently announced Experience Manufacturing program, which plans to reduce the shortage of skilled workers in the state by marketing all open positions with New Jersey manufacturers to young adults looking for careers at no cost.

“Manufacturing is one of the biggest contributors of our state’s economy,” DeSantis said. “We are looking to support the businesses that improve our economy and shape a positive perception of the industry.”

As a not-for-profit consulting company, NJMEP helps small to mid-sized New Jersey manufacturers become more profitable and competitive by providing development, networking and productivity solutions for companies. In addition, it has an online directory of manufacturers and products for consumer and supplier access. The program is free to join for any New Jersey-based manufacturer.

Click here to read the original article by NJBIZ.