Manufacturing knows no bounds

The battle among states for corporate investment is getting considerable attention today among state and local officials, business groups and in the media. Despite the pitfalls in trying to lure companies across borders with tax incentives or cash, as long as high-wage jobs are in play, there will always be competition, even between friendly neighbors.

There is, however, another, more important, side to the story. A highly effective national program, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), is a network of nonprofit organizations in every state whose sole focus is to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Here in the Midwest, experts in our respective MEP centers work with one another to boost manufacturing productivity and efficiency. For example, we’ll help a steel producer shorten the time it takes to change from one production line to another, increasing responsiveness to their customers. Our specialists are strategically located and have real manufacturing experience.

Our work is not restricted by state borders. There are hundreds of examples of MEPs providing technical assistance to manufactures in other states, developing ways to improve supply chain competitiveness and opening doors for companies to do business with each other. Why is this important? Because manufacturing truly knows no bounds. A stronger Indiana parts maker will mean a better domestic supplier for Illinois’ Caterpillar. In situations like these, our MEP centers work to find the best solutions, sharing information and making the most of our respective capabilities.

Certainly, the big corporate moves (or threats to move) command most of the media attention, but beneath the headlines there are hundreds of stories of states working together to keep U.S. manufacturing strong. David Boulay

President, Illinois MEP

Dusty Cruise

Missouri MEP

Buckley Brinkman

President, Wisconsin MEP

Michael Coast

President, Michigan MEP