New York has the potential to lead the world again in manufacturing — provided we invest strategically. That call to action aligns closely with the mission and work of NY MEP (New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership), which supports small and mid-sized manufacturers across New York State.
NY MEP offers services in areas such as process improvements, supply chain strategy, technology adoption, product development, and market expansion. With a few key investments, NY MEP can make manufacturing can be great again:
- Workforce & modernization: D’Agostino stresses the need for training and upgrading skills. NY MEP already supports these goals by working with regional partners and offering technology acceleration services.
- Access to capital & grants: NY MEP’s Advanced Manufacturing Initiative provides grants and technical assistance to address challenges in supply chain, material innovation, cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0.
- Strengthening supply chains & resiliency: D’Agostino warns of dependency on overseas supply lines. NY MEP’s programs include supply chain assessments and targeted grants to improve local supplier networks.
- Collaboration & networks: The structure of NY MEP itself embodies collaboration — bringing state, federal, academia, and industry together across regions.
NY MEP’s impact is already substantial: between 2019 and 2023, its services delivered over $7.6 billion in economic impacts, supporting more than 32,700 new or retained jobs in NY’s small and mid-sized manufacturers.
To read the full article, read Jim D’Agostino’s original Syracuse.com opinion piece: “NY manufacturing can lead the world again — if we invest in it.”
