The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology is providing $529,932 to fund the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership for its third year of operation. West Virginia MEP is part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a nationwide network of centers offering technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers.
NIST's decision to continue funding West Virginia MEP followed a review by NIST of the center's knowledge of the region's smaller manufacturers, its technology and business resources, technology delivery mechanisms, and management and financial plan. Other funding is provided by the state of West Virginia.
West Virginia MEP serves manufacturers throughout the state through seven regional offices. Established in 1995, it is affiliated with the West Virginia Development Office and the West Virginia University Industrial Extension Program.
Results of ongoing surveys confirm that MEP services--delivered to almost 56,000 firms since 1989--are yielding sizable benefits. For example, a recent sample of 2,071 client companies around the country reported that, as a result of MEP services, they:
News and general information on the MEP are available on the Internet's World Wide Web at http://www.mep.nist.gov. Smaller manufacturers can call 800-MEP-4MFG (800-637-4634) to reach the MEP center serving their area.
A non-regulatory agency of the Commerce Department's Technology Administration, NIST promotes U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards.