The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership

NCMEP

at NC State University

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The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) provides manufacturing extension services that enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms. We also work to strengthen the global competitiveness of small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

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The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is the official state affiliate of the NIST MEP National Network™.

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About NCMEP at NC State

NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES) and is joined by partners from the Economic Development Partnership of NC; The Polymers Center of Excellence; the Manufacturing Solutions Center; First Flight Venture Center/Hangar6; UNC Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab; and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles.

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History

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The National Program Office (NIST MEP) provides federal government funding for the MEP National Network™. The MEP program was created in 1988 by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes and services more accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) with Centers in every state and Puerto Rico. The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership was established at NC State University in 1995.

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Manufacturing Support

NCMEP partners provide expertise for supply chain optimization and risk mitigation, technology adoption and implementation and workforce training and development.

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Additional NCMEP activities connect manufacturers to resources for improved process optimization, cybersecurity, business growth, innovation, market expansion, product design, development and testing, talent development and customized training, quality systems and workplace health and safety compliance.

Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NCMEP provides solutions and services that help manufacturers to:

  • Expand local and U.S. supply chain vendor relationships
  • Access customized training programs to narrow the workforce gap
  • Realize the efficiencies of smart manufacturing and advanced technology
  • Save time and energy through improved processes, productivity and capacity
  • Expand facility and equipment capabilities
  • Increase sales and profits
  • Create and retain jobs
  • Streamline new product design, testing, development and time to market
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    Benefits of Working with NCMEP

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  • NCMEP is an extensive network of carefully vetted partners and resources which enables us to quickly and cost-effectively find experienced resources to help you solve your business problems.
  • NCMEP is part of the NIST MEP network of national experts and suppliers, creating an innovation hub and knowledge base for the state of North Carolina.
  • NCMEP partners have deep knowledge of a manufacturing company’s operations. We understand the problems small- and medium-size manufacturers face.
  • NCMEP partners are personal stakeholders in the economic future of manufacturing in North Carolina and live in or near the community where your business is located.
  • For every dollar a North Carolina company spends with NCMEP, they realize $15 in financial improvements.
  • Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NCMEP provides solutions and services that help organizations like yours:

  • Save time and energy
  • Improve productivity
  • Increase sales
  • Improve profits
  • Create and retain jobs
  • Understanding NIST Survey Tile
    Understanding the NIST Survey

    Within a year after the completion of a project or program with one of the NCMEP members, the National NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) organization will send you a voluntary email survey from [email protected].

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    The NIST survey you will be asked to complete is brief. Most people spend as little as 5-10 minutes providing thoughtful feedback. Download the NIST Survey Worksheet to see the questions you will be asked.

    Please Complete the Survey.

    The survey is not required but is used to measure our performance and to report all measurable impact you have realized as a result of working with one or more of the NCMEP partners:

  • NC State University Industry Extension Services
  • Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
  • First Flight Venture Center/Hangar6
  • Polymers Center
  • Manufacturing Solutions Center
  • University of Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab
  • NC State University Wilson College of Textiles
  • Help Us Help You.

    The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is driven by performance metrics and it is you, our valued clients, who drive the numbers. We are depending on you to complete the optional survey! Watch a 3 minute video about the survey process:

    Report All Positive Impact.

    Every question is important, but your responses to key questions reflect directly on NCMEP’s performance and value.

    1. Net Promoter Score.
    This is the single most important question for us. It uses a scale of 1-10 to ask you how likely you would be to recommend NCMEP members to other companies. When considering your response, please understand that a score less than a 9 or 10 indicates an improvement is needed. If that is the case, please share with us how we can better serve you.

    2. Report All Impact.
    You will be asked a quick series of questions that can quantify measurable impact as a result of the project or program completed. We need you to honestly answer “YES” to as many of these questions as possible and provide projected numbers you can estimate related to each question for measurable results. Please avoid using the option “Don’t know” if at all possible. Please consider every possible direct and indirect positive Impact you have received. Over the next 12 months, will our services lead you to…

  • Increase sales at your establishment?
  • Retain sales that otherwise would have been lost?
  • Create any jobs?
  • Retain any jobs?
  • Realize any cost savings in labor, materials, energy, overhead or other areas?
  • Increase investment?
  • Avoid any unnecessary investments or save on any investments?
  • 3. Your Strategic Challenges.
    NIST will also ask about the toughest challenges you face as a manufacturer as you strive to grow and prosper. NIST uses your input to identify what kind of support and assistance manufacturers like you really need today and into the future.

    NIST MEP uses your feedback, and the input of hundreds of other North Carolina manufacturers we work with, to ensure we are good stewards of the taxpayer funds entrusted to us. The information you report through this survey reflects on the individual performance of your Regional Managers and Project Managers, and on NCMEP as a whole. Please provide the best possible answers you can when you complete your NIST survey. Continuance of all the NCMEP programs and projects depend on it. Thank you!

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