News & Events

Lean Manufacturing Skills Gap

Addressing the Workforce Shortage with Lean Manufacturing

In this market, finding skilled employees puts a strain on valuable resources - including time and money. What if there was a way to reduce the number of new hires needed or hours worked on the production floor? What if…

Corey PickettMay 18, 2022

Leadership Marketing

Four Marketing Action Items for Manufacturers

In today’s highly competitive marketplace, manufacturers must have a continuous pipeline of new sales in order to thrive and grow. Technology is constantly evolving and has changed how people communicate, research products and parts, and make purchasing decisions. In comparison…

Corey PickettMay 11, 2022

Leadership Recruitment Skills Gap Workforce Development

The Manufacturers’ Guide to Finding and Retaining Talent

Some manufacturers have seen a brand new employee fail to return from their first meal break on their very first day on the job. If this happens, you have to ask yourself how your hiring process resulted in someone who…

Corey PickettApril 28, 2022

Operations Sustainability

Building A Brighter Future With Sustainability Manufacturing

Sustainable manufacturing is a broad term that includes making products using less energy and materials, producing less waste, using fewer hazardous materials, or offering products that are recyclable or use less energy. Sustainable manufacturing principles can range from simple process…

Corey PickettApril 25, 2022

Leadership Recruitment Skills Gap U.S Manufacturing Workforce Development

The Six Words That Will Massively Improve Your Employee Recruitment

This blog is part of a monthly series brought to you by the America Works initiative. As a part of the MEP National Network’s goal of supporting the growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, this series focuses on innovative…

Paul McQuadeMarch 4, 2022

Operations U.S Manufacturing Workforce Development

Simulation is a Window Into the Future of Your Manufacturing Operation

The National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council have identified enterprise modeling and simulation as a technological breakthrough that will have a profound impact on manufacturing performance. Perhaps you are among the many small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs)…

Paul McQuadeJanuary 25, 2022

Advanced Technologies Industry 4.0 U.S Manufacturing Uncategorized

Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing: Real World Success Stories and Lessons Learned

For manufacturers, artificial intelligence (AI) can be a game changer. Greater efficiencies, lower costs, improved quality and reduced downtime are just some of the potential benefits. This technology is not only for large manufacturers. High-value, cost-effective AI solutions are more…

Paul McQuadeJanuary 14, 2022

Operations Supply Chain U.S Manufacturing

Stay on the Nice List with Gift Ideas from American Manufacturers

Each year, the MEP National NetworkTM is fortunate to assist manufacturing companies across the nation that are operating at the cutting-edge of their industries and creating distinct, quality products. And, each year, we like to share some of these small…

Paul McQuadeDecember 4, 2021

Lean Manufacturing Operations Skills Gap Uncategorized Workforce Development

It’s Not “The Great Resignation.” It’s Actually “The Great Recognition.”

Some are calling it, “The Great Resignation.” Others are calling it “The Great Reshuffle.” After spending the past year as Executive Director of America Works, I’ve talked with more than 250 manufacturing workforce development professionals throughout the MEP National NetworkTM…

Paul McQuadeNovember 22, 2021

Advanced Technologies Data Analytics Industry 4.0 Quality Standards

Two Industry 4.0 Technologies Primed for the Food Manufacturing Industry

Two Industry 4.0 Technologies Primed for the Food Manufacturing Industry - This is an exciting time in the food manufacturing industry. The innovations and technology associated with Industry 4.0 are making it easier for small and medium-sized manufacturers to overcome…

Paul McQuadeNovember 9, 2021