Comprehensive program helps Rhode Island manufacturers create a competitive advantage
Providence, RI – October 22, 2014 – Polaris MEP will host its Supply Chain Optimization workshop on October 30, 2014 at 315 Iron Horse Way in Providence from 8:30am-12:00pm. Supply chain experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) in Gaithersburg, MD will present this successful program currently being rolled out in more than 20 states around the country. MEP affiliated centers utilize a proven model to help resolve the challenges manufacturers face in productivity, safety, quality, growth, innovation and now supply chain.
“Rhode Island is home to innovative manufacturing companies that are healthy, hiring and fueling our economic recovery,” said Christian Cowan, Polaris MEP’s Center Director. “We are excited to expand their focus with national resources which meet the external challenges that naturally occur within their supply chains.”
Polaris MEP clients reap benefits in new sales, retained sales, increased or retained jobs, cost savings and new client investments. Now local manufacturers can also work with national supply chain experts without ever leaving Rhode Island.
Manufacturers operating at any tier of the supply chain can benefit from a partnership with Polaris MEP by developing stronger, more collaborative supply chains using a constraints-based theory developed by national experts.
John Remsey, the MEP Supply Chain Optimization program lead, is quick to point out that this isn’t only an initiative for OEMs. “This program has something for everyone. If you’re a supplier and you want to improve, this program is flexible enough to start with your current state, and provide specific actions to move you to the next level of optimization”.
Understanding the total cost of ownership equips manufacturers to identify and mitigate volatility, and helps them make the best sourcing decisions. Additional supply chain offerings are also available in risk management, and supplier/partner strategy, depending upon the manufacturer’s objectives.
About Polaris MEP
Polaris MEP is a statewide non-profit organization that provides competitive manufacturing business improvement programs to grow RI’s manufacturing industry. Polaris is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Program (NIST MEP) and a business unit of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation. Since 1996 Polaris has delivered improvement solutions to over 750 Rhode Island manufacturers to help them achieve sustainable and profitable growth.
About MEP Supply Chain Optimization:
The MEP Supply Chain Optimization program is a strategic approach to solving the challenges of U.S. manufacturers by promoting a better flow of product from suppliers to customers resulting in reduced costs, improved quality and shortened lead times.