The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership Launches Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network to Strengthen US Supply Chain Resiliency
Raleigh, North Carolina – NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions, administrator of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), announces a new program to provide assistance to North Carolina manufacturers to identify and connect with local, state and national US suppliers. Full-time staff has been allocated to provide supply chain research and supplier matching services to meet the needs of small to medium-sized manufacturers in North Carolina. There is no cost for North Carolina manufacturers to utilize this service.
The national Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network is possible through funding from Executive Order (EO) 14005, called Executive Order on Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All American Workers and supports the Build America, Buy America initiative. The program is managed by the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to increase resiliency and efficiency of domestic supply chains. This program supports reshoring efforts and encourages North Carolina manufacturers to participate in a supply chain that will rely on local, state and national suppliers and depend less on foreign vendors.
The pilot program for the MEP cooperative agreement was authorized in 2023 to address critical shortages and gaps in the American supply chain, to expand existing MEP capabilities to provide national supply chain optimization, and to develop maps of key supply chains to understand how they function and where opportunities may exist.
NCMEP receives supply chain requests through a Supplier Scouting program that provides you with an opportunity to expand your business. The national MEP shares supply requests and the state-based MEPs identify suppliers that may be able to fulfill the supply request. To take advantage of this opportunity, register your company on ManufacturedNC.com and when a supplier need is requested, NCMEP will connect your organization with the requestor to discuss details. It’s easy, it’s free and it’s a great opportunity to grow your sales! We can help match American suppliers to save on lead time and enhance product quality through the US-based supply chain.
There are two ways your organization can benefit from this program immediately at no cost.
- If you want to find a new supplier, submit this form.
- If you wish to become a supplier and grow your business, register on ManufacturedNC.com and we will contact you when a matching request is received.
Questions? Email Eric Taylor or call 919.513.4529 to discuss your unique needs.
Contact Loree Blue, Director of Marketing and Communications, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) at lblue@ncsu.edu.
About North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)
The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is the state network in North Carolina for the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which is part of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). MEP is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and is joined by partners from the North Carolina Community College System, NCWorks Customized Training; the Economic Development Partnership of NC; the Polymers Center of Excellence; the Manufacturing Solutions Center, First Flight Venture Center/Hangar6;the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab; and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles.
About Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is the extension and outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering and administers the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) for North Carolina (NCMEP). IES supports all North Carolina businesses by providing connections, networking with industry experts and helping to identify the resources, tools and customized programs needed to increase an organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality and profit.
