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Reps. Stevens and Meijer Introduce Legislation to Make Major Investments in Manufacturing Extension Partnership Programs

July 22, 2021

Washington, DC– Today, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI), introduced bipartisan legislation that would create a new expansion grant pilot program for the Hollins Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and help MEP centers cut through bureaucratic red tape by allowing them to choose how best to use federal funds. Administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the MEP program is a network of public-private partnerships in every state that gives small- and mid-sized manufacturers the services and resources they need to create well-paying manufacturing jobs and thrive in today’s economy. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Michigan is located in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. 

I am thrilled to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleague from Michigan,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “Since coming to Congress, my top priority has been helping to support and advocate for continued federal investments for our Michigan manufacturers. My district is home to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in Plymouth which assists Michigan's small and medium-sized manufacturers compete and grow. It is widely regarded as one of the best centers in the country and I have seen the positive impact of their work firsthand. Investment in these partnerships will allow MEP Centers across the country to purchase new tech equipment, conduct trainings, and help strengthen supply chains.”

"This bill will help support Michigan's manufacturing industry during this challenging time as our economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Meijer (R-MI)."The program this legislation establishes will support important manufacturing activities that are critical to our state and the entire country and will ensure American manufacturing remains globally competitive. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort with my colleague from Michigan to preserve and bolster our manufacturing industry."

We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman Stevens and Congressman Meijer for their continued support of the manufacturing industry, which is critical to our state and to our nation,” said Mike Coast, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. “MEP Centers like ours are focused on driving innovation and best practices to address an increasingly complex global business environment. This Pilot Program will enable Centers to provide valuable and beneficial services for small and medium-size manufacturers so they can compete, thrive and prosper.”

MEP is a public-private partnership with Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. Last year, MEP Centers interacted with 27,574 manufacturers, leading to $13.0 billion in sales, $2.7 billion in cost savings, $4.9 billion in new client investments, and helped create or retain 105,748 jobs.