Manufacturing Extension Partnership
OVERVIEW The Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Utah (MEP) provides companies with services and access to public and private resources that enhance profitability and growth, improve productivity and develop companies into sustainable enterprises. The MEP focuses on five critical areas: • Continuous improvement • Sustainability (green) • Technology acceleration • Workforce development • Supplier development The MEP assesses the individual needs of a manufacturer, identifies the roadblocks to success, targets opportunities for improvement and growth, and helps the company leverage private/public resources and access a consistent set of services to maximize their potential and grow their business. MEP field staff customize plans to fit the individual needs and goals of clients. Services are available to help a company tackle short-term issues and long-term transformation plans. MEP centers are located throughout the U.S. and are affiliates of the National Institute of Standards, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chartered to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers (those employing less than 500 workers), the MEP potential service base includes 99 percent of the 3,800 manufacturers in Utah.
Utah Manufacturing Employment
130,000 125,000 120,000 115,000 110,000 105,000 100,000
2008
2009
2010
2011
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • Annual Report • www.business.utah.gov
Employment in the Manufacturing Sector began to rebound in 2Q 2010 after a slide the previous nine quarters starting in 2008. 51
