Macomb Daily Columns - Peters: MMTC helps boost Macomb County Manufacturing Sector

Op-Ed

By Senator Gary Peters

From autos to aerospace and defense, manufacturing has always been the heart of our economy in Michigan and Macomb County. The vast majority of American manufacturing companies are small or medium-sized businesses, employing fewer than 500 workers. These small and mid-sized manufacturers are driving innovation, creating good-paying jobs and bolstering our economic competitiveness around the world.

We can help support these smaller manufacturers as they grow and strengthen their businesses by ensuring they have access to the resources and support services that will help them succeed. Michigan is home to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), which has been working on projects since 1991 with more than 2000 Michigan small manufacturing companies--including 35 companies employing more than 2,100 workers in Macomb County over the last three years--as they develop effective businesses leaders, promote innovation and generate new strategies for growth.

MMTC is Michigan's affiliate for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, or MEP, which has provided vital support services to small and mid-sized manufacturers for nearly 30 years. The MEP program is a partnership between federal, state, and local governments and private sector entities. Built on a nationwide network of affiliate centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, MEP centers serve as trusted business advisors and technical experts to small and medium-sized manufacturers. The MEP program helps manufacturers grow their businesses to compete on a global scale -- creating stronger companies, retaining and creating good-paying jobs and boosting local economies. In fact, every dollar invested in the MEP program generates $17 in new sales growth.

I am committed to supporting Michigan manufacturers' efforts to be global leaders in innovation and advanced manufacturing. That is why I recently introduced the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act to expand the MEP program and help more small and medium-sized manufacturers access the vital resources, information, training and technologies that affiliates like MMTC provide. This legislation will also support the development of apprenticeships, internships, and certification programs that can help train the next generation of workers to fulfill critical roles in our growing manufacturing sector.

Through the MEP program, companies across Macomb County have been able to strengthen their businesses and grow the local economy. For example, PCMI Manufacturing Integration in Shelby Township worked with MMTC to expand their metal casting and carbon fiber molding business in the automotive and aerospace markets beyond their initial short-run and prototype production. With the help of MMTC and the MEP program, PCMI Manufacturing Integration was able to diversify and grow their production capability, increasing their workforce by 30 percent and new sales by 25 percent.

MMTC also helped Clinton Township-based Omega Plastics expand their company's tooling and injection molding production to a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical devices and consumer packaging. Through the MEP program, Omega Plastics was able to secure more than 25 customers in new markets around the world and make critical investments in their business to continue designing improved products for their customers.

These are just a few of the many success stories for Macomb County manufacturers who have used the MEP program to improve their efficiency, productivity and profitability. A vibrant manufacturing sector is the key to our nation's economic competitiveness, and Congress must help support America's small and medium-sized manufacturers as they look to grow. The MEP program is a proven investment that ensures American small manufacturers can continue to drive innovation, enhance economic growth and expand opportunities for our future workforce.

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