Hillsborough Sun

On May 12, 2023, the New Hampshire delegation announced that New Hampshire will receive $400,000 in funding from NIST, which was funded through the fiscal year 2023 government funding law, to help New Hampshire’s small and medium-sized manufacturers fully participate in Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network. The MEP National Network helps manufacturers to meet critical needs, ranging from process improvement and workforce development to specialized business practices, including supply chain integration, innovation, and technology transfer.

“For our national security and economy, it’s critical we strengthen American manufacturing,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding will help small and medium-sized New Hampshire manufacturers who participate in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network thrive, create good-paying jobs in New Hampshire, and strengthen our supply chains. I’ll always support investments in American innovation and manufacturing to boost our economy and global competitiveness.”

“The economic hardships and supply chain challenges we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for a strong American manufacturing base and robust domestic supply chain. That’s why I routinely fight for ample federal resources for the National Institute of Standards and Technology – so the United States can out innovate and out build our global competitors, like China. This new award reaffirms those priorities and I’m thrilled to see these federal investments that will support small and medium-sized manufacturers to engage with the MEP National Network,” said Senator Shaheen, chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, which provides funding for MEPs. “MEPs empower our entrepreneurs with the resources and backing they need to develop innovative products and good-paying jobs in our communities. This federal award is an important example of how national bills and priorities can have a local impact.”

“This important federal funding will provide New Hampshire’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership with additional resources to strengthen our supply chains and help small and mid-sized businesses in New Hampshire thrive. I worked to develop and pass into law the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen New Hampshire’s economy, and a key part of that is helping our businesses address supply chain challenges. I look forward to seeing this funding in action," Senator Hassan said.

“New Hampshire manufacturers create critical resources and products that power our economy and move our country forward,” said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. “I’m thrilled to see this funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology heading to our state to bolster this important industry and help local businesses continue to grow, innovate, and thrive.”

According to clients surveyed in fiscal year (FY) 2022, the MEP National Network helped manufacturers achieve $18.8 billion in new and retained sales, $2.5 billion in cost savings, $6.4 billion in new client investments and helped to create and retain more than 116,700 U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Original source can be found here.