The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) is announcing the results of the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (AMI), a targeted effort to help small-to-medium manufacturers solve critical challenges in four major areas: advanced materials, cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, and supply chain. Each of AIM’s four program areas was overseen by a different NY MEP center.
AMI was funded by NYSTAR and NIST MEP. NYSTAR is the Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation within Empire State Development (ESD), New York State’s largest economic development organization. NIST MEP is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a nationwide network of trusted advisors and networks backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Advanced Materials
The Advanced Materials program benefited NYS manufacturers who want to replace their current materials with more sustainable ones. FuzeHub, the statewide NY MEP center, led the program and Cornell University sponsored three webinars. There were also two cohorts. The first guided 15 advanced material companies through crucial stages of manufacturing readiness, and the second built upon the success of the first. Nine projects were awarded and over $120K was distributed.
The companies that benefitted from the Advanced Materials program included:
- A medical mannikin manufacturer that wants to switch from using petroleum-based plastics to plant-based materials.
- A valve caster that wants to replace hazardous silica sand with ceramic sand, which is non-hazardous and can be reclaimed.
- A medical device company that wants to replace a single-use filter with one made of reusable materials.
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity program helped NYS manufacturers address common cybersecurity challenges. The Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM), the Mohawk Valley’s regional NY MEP center, led this effort, which included assessments and events. Grants were distributed to centers in all 10 NY MEP regions, and most awards were provided to manufacturers in the defense supply chain. A total of 55 companies received cybersecurity grants, and $330K in award funds were distributed.
Almost 160 attendees participated in cybersecurity events at these locations:
- Long Island
- Mohawk Valley
- Southern Tier
Industry 4.0
The Industry 4.0 program demystified the Fourth Industrial Revolution and provided manufacturers with funding opportunities for technology projects. The Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AMT), the Southern Tier’s regional NY MEP center, led this effort. Across New York State, 18 companies were awarded mini-grants that totaled $275,145. Five projects were completed in 2024, and the rest are scheduled for completion in 2025.
AMI’s Industry 4.0 program supported initiatives such as:
- Building a database of providers that NY MEP can use to support manufacturers who are implementing technological improvements.
- Designing and launching case study videos about cobot machine tending and sensor-integrated production software.
- Training in augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), automation, smart devices, and digital technology.
Supply Chain
The Supply Chain program helped NYS manufacturers benchmark their current practices against established best practices for supply chain management. Train Develop Optimize (TDO), Central New York’s regional NY MEP center, led this effort. Since January of 2024, 36 assessments and 25 post-assessments have been completed. A total of 523 supplier scouting requests were generated in areas that include sales and operations, sales growth, and trade.
The highlights of the Supply Chain program’s supplier scouting requests include:
- 51 completed by NYS startups or manufacturers
- 41 matches made
- 8 matches in-process
Contact NY MEP for Manufacturing Assistance
NYS manufacturers who need assistance are encouraged to contact NY MEP, a network of 11 independent, not-for-profit organizations that cultivate the growth of high-tech industry and help small-to-medium manufacturers thrive. According to a recent five-year assessment of its economic impacts, NY MEP is creating or saving 1 job for every $1,490 in federal and state government funding.
See the full Advanced Manufacturing Initiative Results Report here.