MxD, the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, announced today a new partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to advance digital adoption by small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs).
The five-year collaboration will help strengthen America’s manufacturing base and increase competitiveness by delivering tailored support to SMMs to accelerate digital adoption initiatives, including cybersecurity preparedness, and securing funding opportunities that directly benefit SMMs.
“As the backbone of U.S. manufacturing, SMMs make up over 98% of the market, and over 75% have fewer than 20 employees,” said MxD CEO Berardino Baratta. “MxD is committed to developing solutions that meet the needs of SMMs. The partnership with NIST MEP is critical in expanding reach. By working together, we can have a bigger impact on U.S. manufacturing.”
“Engaging in partnerships that proactively contribute to the success of SMMs is a central tenet of the MEP program,” said MEP Director Pravina Raghavan. “Through this partnership we will further empower U.S. manufacturers of all sizes to embrace productivity-enhancing, innovative manufacturing technologies.”
MxD and NIST MEP each bring unique strengths to the partnership. Both organizations share a focus and commitment to support workforce development, build resilient supply chains, and advance technology adoption.
MxD provides a comprehensive set of digital manufacturing resources and solutions, including an emphasis on workforce development, to ensure that talent has the necessary skills to accelerate technology adoption. In addition, MxD supports the NIST Cybersecurity Framework with assessments, workshops, and preparedness training.
And with ongoing input from its member ecosystem, MxD continually responds to market needs with specific projects that bring together industry, academia, and government partners.
For 35 years, MEP Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico have been dedicated to serving SMMs. The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. Over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 430 MEP service locations provide any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed. In fiscal year 2022, MEP Centers interacted with more than 33,500 manufacturers, leading to $18.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in cost savings, $6.4 billion in new client investments, and helped create or retain more than 116,700 jobs.
“NIST’s Manufacturing USA and Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs are both vital to the nation’s efforts to rebuild U.S. manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains,” said Mojdeh Bahar, NIST Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services. “The programs complement each other and this opportunity for extended collaboration will have broader impacts, helping small manufacturers embrace technologies that improve their competitiveness.”
MxD and NIST MEP will work closely to define specific initiatives and impact measures through ongoing mutual participation in working groups and future state-level MEP collaborations. Working at both the national and state level will ensure alignment and responsiveness as market needs evolve.
About MxD
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) is where innovative manufacturers go to forge their futures. In partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), MxD equips U.S. factories with the digital tools, cybersecurity, and workforce expertise needed to begin building every part better than the last. As a result, our nearly 300 partners increase their productivity, win more business, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD.
Media Contact:
Mackie Hill, Marketing and Communications Manager, MxD
mackie.hill@mxdusa.org
312.281.6872