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Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP)

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The Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP) is one of the state’s “hidden” treasures. The 501(c)3 non-profit was created by Delaware manufacturers and the Delaware Economic Development Office (now Delaware Division of Small Business) in 1993 to help Delaware manufacturers stay competitive in a global economy.

DEMEP is the official representative of the MEP National Network™ in Delaware. The MEP National Network is comprised of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) and 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Some Centers are run through partner organizations, while others are independent. DEMEP functions on behalf of Delaware Technical Community College, and is based at the College’s Stanton Campus.

So what does this all mean to the small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the State of Delaware? It means that they can look to DEMEP as a trusted business advisor that can help companies create (Lean) continuous improvement cultures, implement quality management systems, access new technologies and grow new markets. As part of the MEP National Network, DEMEP agents have access to the experience and knowledge of more than 1,300 fellow experts across the country and local resource partners to help companies find new ways to accomplish their goals.

View the One Pager for Delaware

Success Stories

Zacros America Continues to Grow

Reported Year
2024
Four of the ten highest produced SKUs in Zacros were not profitable or marginally profitable with current processing. Zacros produces on seven production lines, six of which use one methodology for packaging forming and one that is unique. The unique line produces the same type of material with a 33% faster cycle time. Production and engineering

Employee Empowerment: Investing in Employees Pays Dividends

Reported Year
2023
Hirsh was particularly interested in instilling the spirit of continuous improvement in all departments throughout the plant.Hirsh began working with DEMEP, part of the MEP National Network™, to take advantage of their extensive and thorough training programs.

Wilmington Fibre Reduces Energy Costs

Reported Year
2023
According to Vice President of Operations Dave Celli, Wilmington Fibre's long-time commitment to maintaining their capital equipment is paying dividends now. The trade-off, however, is that the aging equipment requires plenty of maintenance. The oldest machine, a shear, dates back to 1919, and when it breaks, company workers make the parts to fix
Created March 18, 2019, Updated April 13, 2024