Are you a manufacturer or firm that has experienced challenges due to increased foreign competition?
Since 1978, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) has helped over 1500 firms to recover from the effects of foreign competition and has provided more than $75 million in assistance. The TAAC is a non-profit organization and is administered by The Research Foundation of the State University of New York at Binghamton University. The TAAC is one of eleven regional centers located throughout the United States providing assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). For firms that have experienced increased foreign competition, a decline in sales or production, and a decline or impending decline in employment, the TAAC may be able to help improve the firms’ competitive position in today’s global economy.
“The TAAF Grant Program is an easy grant application process for the manufacturing industry to receive support to become more globally competitive and to help their business thrive. We work step by step with the manufacturers through the grant application process,” said Teresa Stockton, client development specialist for TAAC. “Affordable consultation services can provide a competitive edge that could mean the survival and renewed growth of a business during times of economic distress. The TAAC Grant Program provides those funds for the manufacturers who have qualified to receive those services,” Stockton added.
TAAC has been able to highlight many success stories related to the manufacturing industry over the last forty years. From aerospace and automotive to robotics and textiles, TACC has provided assistance across multiple disciplines.
- Motion Controls Manufacturer – A manufacturer of motion controls and networked servo drives was able to complete a $65,200 project to obtain ISO 9001:2000 certification, and the CE mark, which is required for sales of their product in the European Union. The CE mark opened the door for the firm to begin bidding on projects in Europe. Today the firm is being considered for two projects with combined projected sales of $5 million spread over the next seven years. The ISO project has also provided a boost to the firm’s organization and documentation structure, which has appealed to many of the European companies they are trying to do business with.
- Coating Machines Manufacturer – A manufacturer of ceramic and metallic coating machines was able to complete a $55,000 project to design and integrate a new management information system. The project eliminated the need for two outdated information systems, as well as the time required to input information into two systems. Today, information is entered only once, automatically creating all of the paperwork and feedback necessary for a specific order. This has reduced input errors and improved delivery times on all equipment.
TAAC provides assistance to companies based in New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico; assistance is provided in strategic areas of importance including: management, marketing, finance, information technology, manufacturing/engineering, and ISO/QS/TS/UL/CE certification. This assistance is provided by both the TAAC professional staff and by independent industry specialists and consultants.
If you would like more information please contact Teresa Stockton at 607-777-2040 ext. 2 or visit the TACC website at www.tradeadjustment.org.