The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) announced Wednesday that it has been awarded a new five-year cooperative agreement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
The award officially reaffirms NJMEP’s standing as the state’s designated MEP Center, extending a federal-state partnership that has supported local industry for nearly 30 years.
This new contract ensures that small and medium-sized manufacturers across all 21 New Jersey counties will continue to have access to specialized resources. The program is designed to help these businesses navigate a rapidly shifting economic landscape characterized by supply chain volatility and the “Industry 4.0” digital transformation.
“This renewed support from NIST reinforces the value of the work NJMEP delivers on behalf of New Jersey’s manufacturing community,” Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP said. “For nearly 30 years, NJMEP has helped small and medium-sized manufacturers adapt, grow, and compete. This new contract allows us to continue that mission.”
NJMEP has become a cornerstone of the state’s industrial sector, providing a bridge between national innovation and local application. Over its two-decade-plus history, the organization has realized nearly $8 billion in value for its clients through:
- Workforce development: Scaling training programs to close the skills gap.
- Operational excellence: Implementing lean manufacturing and cost-reduction strategies.
- Technology adoption: Assisting firms in integrating automation and digital tools.
- Strategic growth: Helping local shops compete on a global scale.
As part of the Hollings MEP National Network, NJMEP provides New Jersey firms with a “best of both worlds” advantage: the personalized touch of a local consultant backed by the vast technical expertise of the federal government.
The next five years will see NJMEP expand its focus on supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance, ensuring that the state’s manufacturing base remains both profitable and competitive in an increasingly complex global market.
