Manufacturing Extension Partnership

05/21/2026

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for an upcoming Technology Accelerator Pilot Program.

This competitive pilot program will support existing MEP Centers in accelerating the adoption and commercialization of advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance the competitiveness of the domestic industrial base for additive manufacturing of aerospace components and the domestic critical minerals supply chain.

It aims to revolutionize U.S. industrial supply chains by leveraging the MEP National Network™, NIST’s measurement science programs, the NIST-coordinated Manufacturing USA network, and partnerships with other federal agencies to identify pathways for technology demonstration and market transition.

Read the NOI at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10105/mep-pilot-program

05/13/2026

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in U.S. Manufacturing infographic is now available!

From predictive maintenance to generative design, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how manufacturers improve efficiency, enhance quality, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. While some manufacturers are already using AI in their operations, others face barriers to adoption.

This infographic explores AI's impact on manufacturing today and in the future and explains how the MEP National Network connects manufacturers with expert guidance, hands-on support, and access to cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to their needs.

Download the infographic:
https://www.nist.gov/mep/manufacturing-infographics/rise-artificial-intelligence-us-manufacturing

05/01/2026

If you’re a U.S. manufacturer seeking federal assistance, you need to check out manufacturing.gov!

Manufacturing.gov is the primary hub for information on federal manufacturing programs, funding opportunities, and other valuable resources that help U.S. manufacturers increase productivity, improve supply chains, and find and retain a strong workforce.

The website includes descriptions and contact information for federal programs, open funding opportunities, topic-focused pages, and announcements from the White House and federal agencies on U.S. manufacturing.

https://www.manufacturing.gov/

04/24/2026

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a cooperative agreement to Impact Washington to establish a Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center in Washington state.

Impact Washington supports manufacturers in competing globally through expert consulting, training programs, educational and industry events, and resources that drive profits, workforce development, and business growth. They offer cost-effective assistance to enhance a company’s productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness by applying technology, techniques, and best practices.

04/20/2026

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) scientists have developed a new packaging process for photonic integrated circuits so they can survive and operate in some of the most extreme environments imaginable.

The advance could enable these technologies to operate on deep-space probes, inside nuclear reactors, in ultrahigh-vacuum systems, and at temperatures ranging from near absolute zero to scorchingly hot industrial settings.

Although the new process now takes several days to complete, engineers could dramatically shorten the time, making the technique suitable for large-scale manufacturing.

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/03/nist-researchers-develop-photonic-chip-packaging-can-withstand-extreme

04/14/2026

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a cooperative agreement to the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WVMEP) to establish an MEP Center in West Virginia.

WVMEP's mission is to strengthen, empower, and expand West Virginia manufacturing to enhance its competitiveness both locally and globally, while also functioning as the outreach arm of West Virginia University's Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, connecting WVU’s resources to West Virginia manufacturers.

WVU Industrial Extension

04/13/2026

Domestic manufacturing plays a vital role in keeping our nation’s supply chains running smoothly. The MEP National Network’s Supplier Scouting service connects U.S. manufacturers, making it easier to produce these essential items right here at home.

The MEP National Network searches for hundreds of items across various industries, offering opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers to grow and expand. Currently, there are 30 open supplier scouting opportunities for U.S. manufacturers seeking domestic suppliers for items like:

✅ Lighting switch covers
✅ Horizontal vinyl blinds
✅ Stainless steel tubing

View current open opportunities:
https://www.nist.gov/mep/mep-national-network-open-supplier-scouting-opportunities

04/07/2026

Wishing Brenda Martin a happy retirement!

Brenda has been a dedicated advocate for Iowa manufacturers for over 20 years at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), part of the Iowa Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, and has more than 40 years of overall experience in manufacturing.

From her early work in food manufacturing at Carnation (later Nestlé) to leadership roles in operations and corporate auditing, she built a legacy grounded in expertise, hard work, and results.

Since joining CIRAS in 2003, Brenda has used her extensive industry knowledge and statewide connections to assist businesses in strengthening their workforce, thinking strategically, and accessing the right resources at the right time.

Thank you, Brenda, for your dedication to Iowa manufacturing and the lasting impact you’ve made. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!

04/02/2026

New Grant Opportunity!

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative promotes workforce readiness skills and helps ex-offenders find jobs across three groups: youth (ages 15-17), young adults (ages 18-24), and adults (age 25 and older).

Funds will be awarded to eligible entities to develop programs that train ex-offenders for high-demand American jobs and help them become productive contributors to the U.S. economy.

Applications must be submitted electronically no later than April 15, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern.

Apply at: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361368

03/31/2026

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) Manufacturing Insights Survey Report is now available!

MMTC launched its first Manufacturing Insights Survey to gather real-time feedback from manufacturers on industry trends, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This report is the result of that effort and shares comprehensive responses from small and midsize manufacturers across the state.

Discover what manufacturers are planning and prioritizing for 2026, along with actionable tips to make this year successful.

Download the report:
https://www.the-center.org/Resources/Manufacturing-Insights-Survey-Report

In fall 2025, we launched our inaugural Manufacturing Insights Survey to track real manufacturer feedback on industry trends, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This report is the culmination of this initiative and analyzes comprehensive responses from small and midsize manufacturers across o...