WMEP Promotes strong economic growth by helping Wisconsin manufacturers grow and succeed

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) today received the state’s top economic development award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). The award was presented at the 2007 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in Madison. The award is given once every two years to an organization that has had a significant impact on economic development in the State of Wisconsin.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award, and an exciting day for our organization,” said Mike Klonsinski, WMEP’s executive director. “We certainly appreciate this recognition for our contribution to the state’s economic growth and vitality.” James S. Haney, president, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and WMEP board member, said the state’s investment in WMEP delivers a substantial return for manufacturers and taxpayers. “I don’t know of any other state supported organization that gets as much bang for the buck as WMEP,” he said.

Since 2001, WMEP has helped more than 1,200 Wisconsin manufacturers implement strategies to boost competitiveness, profitability and growth. During that time, WMEP-assisted firms reported $849 million in economic impact: $589 million in higher sales; $117 million in cost savings; $143 million investment in new plant and equipment; and more than 8,000 jobs created/retained.

“The results speak for themselves. This is an organization with a solid track record that is responding to a critical need in our state’s $44 billion industrial economy,” said Jim Lang, president of New Berlin-based AdvanTech Manufacturing, Inc. and chairman of WMEP’s board of directors.

Klonsinski said while he’s proud of WMEP’s accomplishments, “it wouldn’t be fair to accept this award without recognizing the incredible contributions by the state’s manufacturers, who are our customers. These are the people who get up every day and say ‘How can we do this better?’ Because without that energy, and belief in a better and brighter future, this economic growth would not be possible.”

Looking forward, Klonsinski said WMEP is expanding services to help small manufacturers grow their businesses. A recent WMEP survey reported that 44% percent of Wisconsin’s small manufacturers said they lack the internal resources to implement growth strategies such as new product development, market expansion and sales growth.

WMEP (Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership) provides technical expertise and business assistance
to help small and mid-size manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and business practices.
WMEP is a leader in lean manufacturing, strategic business development, quality systems and supplier development.
Last year, WMEP-assisted manufacturers reported a $137 million economic benefit with 855 jobs created/retained.