Manufacturing-Works to Continue Under New Leadership

A program aimed at helping Wyoming manufacturers achieve success will continue under new leadership, according to the University of Wyoming Office of Research and Economic Development.

Manufacturing-Works, a partnership of UW, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Wyoming Business Council, provides technical and business assistance to manufacturing companies across the state. Discussions are taking place among those partners regarding appointments of the permanent director and assistant director of the program, as those positions are now vacant.

“Recognizing the need for the services of this program, particularly at a time when manufacturing can play such an important role in growing and diversifying Wyoming’s economy, the university has chosen a new direction for the leadership of Manufacturing-Works,” says Ed Synakowski, UW’s vice president for research and economic development. “Working with our partners, we are confident that we will soon have new leaders to move the program forward.”

Manufacturing-Works, which is part of the Wyoming Business Resource Network, has existed for more than two decades, supported by federal and state funding. It has offices in Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, Sheridan and Afton. Other components of the Wyoming Business Resource Network include the Wyoming Technology Business Center, the Wyoming Small Business Development Center, the Wyoming Technology Transfer and Research Products Center, and the Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Manufacturing-Works promotes innovation, manufacturing and industrial competitiveness to build a stronger and more prosperous Wyoming through enhanced economic security and improved quality of life. Services to manufacturers include broad technical assistance, engineering solutions, general business assistance, marketing assistance and financial counseling.

Manufacturing-Works is part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, which has centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. MEP is administered by NIST, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.