September 13, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Funding for the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Senator Joe Manchin and Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today announced $465,700 in federal funding for West Virginia University to continue supporting the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership. This program provides important advisory services to the state’s local businesses and manufacturers so they can become more competitive and innovative.
 
“Investing in our manufacturing industry is a commonsense way to keep and create good West Virginia jobs and expand economic opportunities across our state,” Manchin said. “I am pleased that this grant will help local manufacturers make the critical improvements necessary to remain competitive and successful.”

“Our state-based manufacturers and businesses are the heart of West Virginia’s economy and workforce,” said Rockefeller. “Anything we can do to help these businesses create more jobs, and encourage innovation so they can become more competitive, is a win-win for the state. It’s great to see this investment in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership that supports these important economic goals.”

Rockefeller led the Congressional effort to create the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which was signed into law in 1998. The legislation established a network of federal, state, and industry advisors tasked with improving the productivity and success of American manufacturers.
 
The West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is operated by West Virginia University and works with small and mid-sized manufactures in the state to make them more efficient and to help them create jobs. The MEP serves as an advisor to local businesses by helping them to increase profits, work through challenges, and build their workforce.