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MEP Success Stories from Montana

MMEC and Montana Manufacturer Team Up to Facilitate ISO Certification

Reported Year
2022
Oerlikon places a high priority on quality management systems and tools to demonstrate its commitment to producing top quality products for its clients. The company has achieved ISO 9001 certification, a process that requires manufacturers to complete an extensive audit process showing that they meet specific standards and regulatory requirements

Getting Off on the Right Foot in Montana: MMEC Helps Sandal Company with Facility Design

Reported Year
2021
The COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after Bedrock moved its operations to Missoula. While the company had initially planned to subcontract its manufacturing work, it lost a principal supplier when the supplier switched to production of personal protective equipment (PPE). Bedrock proposed to start small-scale manufacturing on-site by reconfiguring

Sinking Their Teeth into the Dental Industry: Platypus Expands into New Devices

Reported Year
2021
Currently, A Better Way of Life is developing a negative pressure device which can be used to protect both patients and practitioners from airborne microbes during dental appointments. After designing the prototype, the company needed assistance locating supplies to move into production. Ideally, management wanted to work with local vendors to

Gibson Guitars Expands Montana Production Facility

Reported Year
2021
Over the last few years, demand has increased significantly for Gibson’s acoustic guitars. In 2019, management began planning an expansion at the Bozeman facility that would increase production capacity by more than 100%. The proposal required approval by the Board of Directors, who requested presentation of a detailed, data-driven investment case

Tapping into Sustainability: Brewery Improves Production by Reducing Waste

Reported Year
2021
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company now produces an estimated 10,000 barrels of beer each year. With growth, the company began to experience filtration throughput issues that limited further capacity expansion. In addition, management wanted to explore other efficiencies that could be implemented to reduce waste throughout the business and improve

A Generous Spirit: Distillery Focuses on Community and Employee Needs During Pandemic

Reported Year
2021
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many food and beverage companies closed their restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms, including Headframe Spirits. A significant portion of the business sales were negatively impacted when the tasting room was closed, and employee jobs were at risk. The company pivoted to the manufacture of hand sanitizer. Headframe

“Leaning” In for More Tea Time

Reported Year
2020
In order to achieve their mission of providing quality products while maintaining high customer service and strong relationships, Tumblewood Teas owners, Riza Gilpin and Laurie Rennie, wanted to reduce waste and increase efficiency. Located in a small agricultural town on the banks of the Yellowstone River, the company was also faced with