New Jersey just launched a game-changing resource for its manufacturing sector: The New Jersey Manufacturing Network, created under the new “Manufacturing in Higher Education Act.” This first-of-its-kind public–private collaboration consolidates training, hiring support, financial incentives, and technical guidance into a single, easy-to-navigate hub—empowering manufacturers to build the workforce they need and modernize operations efficiently.
The law designated the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) within the Department of State as the advocate for manufacturers seeking assistance in navigating government programs. As a key partner, NJBAC will provide advocacy and project management services to manufacturers, assisting them with building renovations, hiring and training new employees, addressing regulatory issues and permitting, and overseeing overall project management for facility upgrades and site selection.
Partners include:
- New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP)
- New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC)
- NJ Council of County Colleges (NJCCC)
- NJ Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools ((NJCCVTS)
- New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)
- New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL)
- New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
- NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)
- NJ Small Business Association (NJSBA)
“Ensuring that New Jersey’s manufacturing sector is strong for generations to come is paramount to driving innovation in the State; the New Jersey Manufacturing Network is an important component in developing the workforce pipeline needed for sustainable employment in the manufacturing industry,” Lt. Governor Tahesha Way said.
“The manufacturing jobs of the 21st century demand a highly skilled workforce, one that will require aligning education and assistance with the needs of the employers. NJBAC is leading an initiative that brings together manufacturing employers, policymakers, educators, regulatory agencies, advocacy groups, and more to build a stronger manufacturing industry in New Jersey,” NJBAC Executive Director Melanie Willoughby said.
NJMEP CEO Pete Connolly touted the launch of the New Jersey Manufacturing Network as an important first step in bringing together all the key stakeholders in the manufacturing sector.
“We’re thrilled the NJBAC is moving forward to create the New Jersey Manufacturing Network. It reflects the kind of collaboration our industry has asked for,” Connolly said. “By bringing partners together, we’re making it easier for manufacturers to find the answers, resources, and support they need—all in one place. It’s about reducing barriers and building a more responsive, unified network. We encourage manufacturers to explore the site and share their feedback, so we can continue improving how we serve this vital industry.”
