Providence, RI – April 18, 2022 – Non-profit consulting group Polaris MEP, the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, is growing, and seeks to grow its Advisory Board to support its mission to strengthen and empower RI’s small and medium-sized manufacturers.
“Challenges like COVID, the global supply chain squeeze and local labor shortages are driving an exciting period of innovation and change,” said Kathie Mahoney, Polaris MEP Center Director. “Polaris MEP is uniquely positioned to support this evolution, and we’re looking for forward-thinking industry leaders to help us move Rhode Island manufacturing forward.”
The MEP is in the process of finalizing the first-ever “State of RI Manufacturing” report which identifies trends, challenges and opportunities for the sector. Mahoney notes that early analysis indicates RI manufacturers will increasingly adopt automation, industry 4.0 technologies, diversity initiatives and other “next generation” initiatives.
“Polaris MEP is diversifying to meet the needs of our manufacturing community. We’ve been adding to our team of experienced consultants and forming new strategic partnerships. And, now, we’re expanding our Advisory Board,” said Mahoney.
Those interested in applying should visit PolarisMEP.org/AdvisoryBoard to learn more.
Polaris MEP is an affiliate of the national NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and a non-profit business unit of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation.
About Polaris MEP
Polaris MEP provides competitive business improvement programs to grow Rhode Island’s manufacturing industry. In FY 2021 the statewide nonprofit organization reported positive economic impacts of: $121.5M total increased or retained sales; $10.4M new client investments; $4.4M cost savings; and 1,628 jobs added or retained in the state of Rhode Island.
An affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the consultancy is a business unit of the URI Research Foundation.
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Media Contact: Erin Read; 401-440-8350; eread@polarismep.org