Wisconsin Manufacturers Report $133 Million Impact

Wisconsin's small and mid-size manufacturers reported more than $133 million impact as a result of assistance they received from the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) during the past fiscal year.

Manufacturers reported $90.3 million in increased and retained sales, $23.6 million in cost savings, and $19.9 million in investment in new plant and equipment. WMEP, which helps small and mid-size manufacturers become more competitive, provided services to 441 manufacturers last year.

"This year's impact is especially significant given the current economic challenges for manufacturing," said Michael Klonsinski, WMEP's executive director. "Wisconsin's small manufacturers are working hard to modernize and adopt world-class manufacturing strategies. This is important because it helps us keep jobs and business in Wisconsin."

More than 3/4 of the manufacturers surveyed said they were more competitive as a result of projects with WMEP. Another 92 percent said they improved employee skills. Eighty-seven percent said they increased throughput; 76 percent reduced lead times. The impact data is based on independent customer surveys compiled by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

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WMEP provides technical expertise and hands-on implementation assistance to small and midsize manufacturing firms on advanced manufacturing technologies and business practices includinglean manufacturing, ISO, value chain management, and strategic repositioning services for manufacturers and manufacturing facilities located in Wisconsin.