Preserve, Rather Than Eliminate, Manufacturing Extension Programs (Editorial Opinion)
Modified Article:
Listen up, pals. on Good Friday this year, I sat down with a gaggle of government workers and local friends, eager to serve their community. This ain't a rare occurrence in the world of public service, just a bunch of burnt-out, underpaid folks doing their best to keep the gears turning.
Well, we got some news that stirred things up – the funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program got cut, then restored just as abruptly. It wasn't just some bureaucratic drama – something bigger was going down.
Now, when the President is pushing for bringing American manufacturing home, what happens? Funding for one of the few programs that actually helps them compete globally gets slashed. That's right – the MEP, an old program from the Reagan days, aimed at helping small and mid-sized manufacturers improve productivity in the face of Japanese competition, hasn't exactly been a household name. But across the country, it's been quietly supporting the backbone of our industrial base, small businesses.
Now, don't get me wrong. The program's gotten bloated, especially in Wisconsin. It's a legacy mess, a workaround to federal rules held together to keep good people employed. As chairman of the board for the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity (WCMP), which covers two MEP affiliates, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) and the Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) at UW-Stout, I know all about it. If it confuses you, you're not alone.
The result? Too many people managing the process, not enough delivering services. A fix is needed, and the recent funding scare has given us a serious nudge.
This whole situation is causing a buzz across the nation – cost-cutting meets real public needs. In this instance, it's a lumbering program doing vital work. The solution isn't to axe it; it's to streamline it.
We at Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry have personally felt the impact of these agencies. We enlisted WCMP's help to supercharge our exports of our American-made products, like pressure cookers and sterilizers, and even guided our investments in robotics through their Automation Advisor program. They helped us make smart decisions and boost operational efficiency.
Another company I advise in Sheboygan slashed energy waste with WCMP's assistance. The organization has also been instrumental in backing broader innovation initiatives, including a partnership between UW-Milwaukee Connected Systems Institute and TitletownTech, exploring how AI can boost manufacturing processes. These projects are game-changers for small manufacturers.
With all this on the line, Wisconsin's continued backing matters a lot. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp remains a supporter of WMEP and MOC's crucial work, offering a meaningful vote of confidence from a state that knows manufacturing. We may not have the resources of the federal government, but we're investing what we can in this work because we've seen the results. And so have our manufacturers.
The MEP enjoys bipartisan support and the backing of small businesses. It's helping American industry grow, compete, and modernize, just like policymakers claim they want.
Sure, we need to trim the fat. But we should keep funding it, too. Let's get to work together to preserve what matters, and maybe – just maybe – this could be a model for cutting federal spending the smart way, not through reckless cuts.
Additional Insights:
- The MEP program, established in 1988, is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and provides technical and business expertise to small and medium-sized manufacturing firms to help them become more competitive.
- The MEP's goal is to guide manufacturers to improve their productivity by providing support in areas like quality management, energy efficiency, and technology deployment.
- As of the article's publication date, contracts for MEP programs in remaining states were set to expire between July 2025 and March 2026, and the future of the program remains uncertain.
- The state of Wisconsin has invested $8.5 million in the MEP network, with the federal government providing around $6 million annually.
- Many policymakers and economists argue that the MEP program has a positive impact on the American economy, helping to maintain and create manufacturing jobs. They also believe it aids in innovation and productivity growth.
- Critics argue that the program is inefficient and should be reformed before receiving more funding. There is also concern about the use of taxpayer dollars to support private businesses.
- The program has undergone several evaluations and assessments over the years, with mixed results. Some evaluations have found that the program delivers positive benefits to participating firms, while others question its overall value and efficiency.
- Policymakers could learn from the wisdom of the MEP program, as it aims to guide small and mid-sized manufacturers in improving productivity, a key factor in reshoring and boosting American industry.
- Honest evaluation of the MEP program's effectiveness should consider its role in supporting technology deployment and education-and-self-development initiatives, such as the AI-focused partnership between UW-Milwaukee Connected Systems Institute and TitletownTech.
- The recent funding issues facing the MEP program have brought concerns about cost-cutting and the potential impact on the lifestyle and livelihoods of countless Americans who depend on these manufacturers for their jobs.
- The MEP program has the backing of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corp, which recognizes its critical role in fostering growth, innovation, and modernization in the state's manufacturing sector.
- As the weather in Wisconsin's industries shifts toward increased competition and technological advancements, it is essential for policymakers to provide the necessary funding to programs like MEP, ensuring a strong foundation for our vibrant sports-loving communities and growing economy.
