Preserving the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program Is of Critical Importance to Congress
Inthe heart of American history, manufacturing has been a beacon of ingenuity, pride, and resilience. Communities across the nation have leaned on this industry not only for job opportunities but as a bedrock of hope for the American dream. While giants like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Intel take center stage, our small- and medium-sized manufacturers are the unsung heroes, powering our economy from their hometowns.
These family-run businesses, deeply rooted in their communities, have long benefited from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. A national network of centers, MEP offers tailored support to manufacturers in every U.S. state, connecting them with industry experts and providing specialized resources. This community-based assistance is exactly what manufacturers need to flourish. MEP centers are equipped to guide companies through critical stages, whether embarking on a lean manufacturing journey, implementing a quality management system, selecting new technologies, or upskilling their workforce.
However, the future of the MEP program hangs in the balance. The Department of Commerce has started the process of terminating funding to MEP centers, putting these organizations' very existence at risk. Their mission? To strengthen and empower small to medium-sized manufacturers to become more competitive and efficient. This sudden move by the Department of Commerce doesn't just threaten economic progress but challenges the current administration's own goals: restoring U.S. manufacturing, rebuilding the middle class, and revitalizing supply chain networks.
Indiana is home to the Purdue University MEP Center, a vital player in helping manufacturers compete on the global stage. Since its inception, the Center has achieved nearly $8 billion in economic impact, including new sales, cost savings, and new investments. As members of the Purdue MEP Board of Advisors, we can confidently affirm that no other organization in the state has more experience serving small and mid-sized manufacturers.
Regrettably, we anticipate the Purdue MEP Center will lose its funding from the Department of Commerce as of July 1, 2025. Without this support, the Center would no longer have the capacity to serve the small and mid-sized manufacturers that need it most.
The elimination of the Purdue MEP Center would cripple resources and training available to the thousands of manufacturers in Indiana, with 98% of them small to medium-sized companies. Manufacturing is the largest industry sector in Indiana, employing over half of the state's workforce. Without funding, the Purdue MEP Center would no longer be able to meet manufacturers' critical needs, ranging from process improvement and workforce development to supply chain needs and technology implementation.
Voters understand the stakes. In fact, nearly 80% say they are more likely to support a candidate who supports funding for manufacturing, with 72% believing it should be a top priority for lawmakers. The MEP program isn't just smart policy; it's popular politics, boasting broad bipartisan support. So, the question isn't whether manufacturing matters—it's whether our policymakers are willing to invest in it when it counts.
As proud members of America's manufacturing industry, we imploreIndiana's citizens to contact their elected officials to urgently reverse the decision to cut funding for these vital Centers that are crucial to our growth.
Signed,
Purdue University Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board of Advisors
Andrew Roberts, Board Chair Sr. Director - Advanced Manufacturing BraunAbilitySusan Carlock Executive Vice President MursixBob Ferguson President Applied Solutions LLCEdward Garza President El PopularJohnny Goode President MSP ManufacturingJim Hurst President N.K. Hurst Co., Inc.Iain James Senior Vice President of Technology Knauf Insulation of North AmericaMegan Knoll Owner/VP of Operations Fit Tight Covers Company, Inc.Todd Miller President & CEO Myers SpringRalph Palmer Associate Director of Quality - Americas Corporate Trade Compliance Manager Linde Advanced Material Technologies Inc.Steve Rider Vice President Manufacturing & Production Control Subaru of Indiana AutomotiveJohn T. Smith, NIST MEP National Advisory Board CEO Wood-Mizer
- The sudden termination of funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, such as the Purdue University MEP Center, threatens to deprive small- and medium-sized manufacturers of essential tailored support, critical for their growth and competitiveness in the American manufacturing industry.
- The impending loss of funding for MEP centers, like the Purdue MEP Center, jeopardizes the provision of resources and training vital to thousands of manufacturers in states like Indiana, where the industry is the largest sector and employs over half of the workforce.
