Federal Funding Fully Reinstated for Wyoming’s Manufacturing Works Program

Manufacturing Works, the official Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center for Wyoming, has a received a full reinstatement of federal funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

 

This funding restores nearly $700,000 annually, which is essential to sustain the program’s services and impact across the state’s manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Works is a program of the University of Wyoming’s Research and Economic Development Division.

 

The recent decision reverses a previous move by NIST to withhold funding from MEP centers in 10 states, including Wyoming. That action had raised concerns about the future of critical support services for small and medium manufacturers in the region.

 

“Manufacturing Works plays an important role connecting Wyoming businesses with local partners who can meet each other’s needs, keeping good-paying manufacturing jobs in the Cowboy State rather than sending them overseas,” says U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo. “This funding will enable the program to continue providing the technical assistance and strategic guidance that helps our manufacturers stay competitive and build stronger domestic supply chains. It’s a big win for Wyoming's manufacturing sector.”

 

“The restoration of funding ensures we can continue delivering the critical services that Wyoming manufacturers rely on to stay competitive and resilient,” says Rocky Case, center director for Manufacturing Works. “From artificial intelligence/machine learning integration and energy sector diversification to supply chain optimization and workforce upskilling, we are committed to supporting the needs of manufacturers across the state.”

 

The MEP program is uniquely aligned with the federal administration’s economic messaging and priorities: bolstering domestic supply chains, advancing advanced manufacturing and championing Industry 4.0 innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning.

 

From supporting suppliers in the nuclear energy sector to building capacity in critical minerals production, Manufacturing Works has provided technical assistance, workforce training and strategic guidance that allow local firms to compete in national security-linked markets. These efforts are especially vital as Wyoming positions itself at the forefront of advanced energy innovation and works to strengthen domestic supply chains for rare earth elements and next-generation nuclear technologies.

 

“Manufacturing is such a critical component of Wyoming’s economy, and Manufacturing Works helps our manufacturing businesses stay on the cutting edge of productivity and competitiveness,” says Josh Dorrell, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council. “Manufacturing Works’ impact is rooted in Wyoming resilience -- resilient on our own, and stronger with the federal MEP support that strengthens that foundation and expands what’s possible.”

 

MEP centers operate as industry, not adjacent to it, working shoulder to shoulder with manufacturers, responding in real time to their needs -- whether it is delivering quick-turn solutions to immediate production challenges or guiding long-term transformations in advanced manufacturing. In Wyoming, that means helping firms integrate AI and machine learning on the shop floor or strengthening the nuclear energy supply chain -- services that likely would not exist without the MEP network.

 

Each MEP center is rigorously measured by NIST performance metrics and must re-compete every decade to remain cutting-edge. These evaluation processes ensure that MEP remains nimble, future-looking and accountable.

 

As the state’s only MEP center, Manufacturing Works remains dedicated to supporting Wyoming manufacturers through technical assistance, engineering services, business consulting and strategic planning. The federal funding ensures the continuity and expansion of those efforts as the organization prepares for the next chapter of service and innovation.

 

“We thank all of our supporters who stood with us through this period of uncertainty,” Case says. “With this renewed support, we are focusing on long-term strategic planning, expanding our services and investing in the future of Wyoming’s manufacturing economy.”