UW’s Manufacturing Works Receives Federal Funding to Continue Supporting State’s Manufacturers

Manufacturing Works, Wyoming’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center, has received a notice of award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to continue providing services to small and medium-sized manufacturers across the state.

 

The award action obligates $706,900 in federal funding for the year 10 budget period, which began April 1 and runs through March 31, 2027. With required matching support, the total approved federal award, including cost share, reaches $7,131,864 over the multiyear award period.

 

Manufacturing Works, based at the University of Wyoming, helps manufacturers strengthen operations, improve productivity, adopt new technologies, develop workforce strategies and compete in an increasingly global marketplace. The award continues the center’s mission to serve primarily small- and medium-sized manufacturers throughout Wyoming.

 

“This continued investment allows Manufacturing Works to do what we do best: meet Wyoming manufacturers where they are, help them solve real business challenges and connect them to practical resources that improve performance,” says Rocky Case, center director of Manufacturing Works. “Whether a company is working on process improvement, workforce development, technology adoption, growth planning or succession, our goal is to help Wyoming manufacturers become stronger, more resilient and more competitive.”

 

As part of its work to help manufacturers prepare for the future, Manufacturing Works also is investigating practical and relevant artificial intelligence (AI) best practices for manufacturing. This includes exploring how AI tools and methods may support productivity, quality, operations, workforce development, decision-making and responsible technology adoption for Wyoming manufacturers.

 

“AI is moving quickly, but manufacturers need more than buzzwords,” Case says. “They need clear, practical guidance on what is useful, what is safe, what is cost-effective and what can actually improve the way they operate. Manufacturing Works is working to identify pertinent AI best practices so Wyoming manufacturers can make informed decisions -- not chase shiny objects with expensive price tags.”

 

According to the notice of award, Manufacturing Works will pursue three strategic approaches: adapting its business model to provide new products and services; continuing traditional MEP services focused on key areas; and leveraging partnerships while developing new collaborations. The award also emphasizes the center’s role in communicating and delivering new technologies; supporting productivity; addressing workforce behaviors that affect business performance; and building awareness of manufacturing careers in Wyoming.

 

Manufacturing Works is part of the national MEP network, a public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening U.S. manufacturing. Through its Wyoming-based team and statewide partnerships, Manufacturing Works provides hands-on assistance, training, assessments, technical support and connections to resources that help manufacturers grow and remain viable.

 

“This work is about impact,” Case says. “When Wyoming manufacturers succeed, they create jobs, support local economies and keep our communities strong. We’re proud to continue that work with manufacturers across the state.”

 

For more information about Manufacturing Works, visit www.manufacturing-works.com or email Case at rcase@uwyo.edu.

 

About Manufacturing Works

 

Manufacturing Works is Wyoming’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, hosted by the University of Wyoming. The center provides technical assistance, business support, training and resources to help Wyoming manufacturers improve performance, increase competitiveness and grow.