By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Surveys conducted in the last two quarters of 2008 revealed that 20 manufacturers assisted by the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West (MMTC) in the previous year improved their bottom lines a total of some $33 million and created 51 new jobs. In addition, the MMTC assistance helped those manufacturers retain 123 existing jobs.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology hired an outside company to conduct the surveys measuring the effectiveness of the MMTC programs.
“The mission of the MMTC is to increase the competitiveness of Michigan manufacturers,” says Brian Walquist, outreach manager of MMTC-West at Right Place Inc. “We can bring them the expertise they need to compete in this incredibly difficult market we’re in. We might have five to 15 companies that we work with each quarter.”
The programs can include customized projects to teach manufacturers how to implement lean manufacturing techniques, diversify their manufacturing, or obtain quality systems certification for ISO and other standards required for specific industries (aerospace, medical device manufacturing). Some programs help them reduce their environmental footprint and costs.
MMTC programs show manufacturers ways to increase and retain sales and create and retain jobs, Walquist adds. Specific processes can help them determine if new equipment is really needed, or if, by running the plant more efficiently, they can operate with existing equipment.
“More often than not we’re helping manufacturers compete against companies across the U.S., Mexico and even China.” says Walquist. “It benefits West Michigan because more competitive manufacturers can create new jobs that employ the people who support the economy by buying and spending here in West Michigan.”
Source: Brian Walquist, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West at Right Place, Inc.
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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