A federal grant has been awarded to the WVU Industrial Extension (WVUIE) to help small and medium sized West Virginia manufacturers build their supply chain initiatives. The funding will provide services to expand existing MEP capabilities to provide National Supply Chain Optimization and to establish a supply chain Intelligence Network, improving the resiliency and optimization for domestic supply chains in the MEP National Network in West Virginia.
The funding comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce whose mission is “to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.”
The WVU Industrial Extension will develop a supply chain readiness assessment to be discussed and documented with small and medium sized manufacturers using an industry focused approach so that an ecosystem map can be generated identifying Original Equipment Manufacturers and secondary and tertiary supply chain pathways, gaps, and opportunities. Activities will include educational and outreach events, the conduct of research, and the development of supply chain service offerings.
“Having funding that is dedicated to supporting small manufacturers expand their business in a way that strengthens the US manufacturing supply chain is a responsibility we don’t take lightly,’ said Staci Miller, Director of the WVU Industrial Extension. “It can be extremely difficult for small operations to pivot in ways that can drastically change their business and the Industrial Extension is committed to doing our part to build West Virginia’s economy.”
To learn more about WVU Industrial Extension visit: www.wvmep.com
