<< back

House Members Laud Contributions of Small Manufacturers to the National Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Small manufacturers play a vital role in our nation's economic recovery by promoting entrepreneurial growth, boosting productivity and providing high wage, skilled jobs, according to members of the House Science Committee and co-chairs of the Northeast Midwest (NEMW) Congressional Coalition.

At a press conference yesterday, House members commended the contributions made by small manufacturers and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a federal program that assists small and medium sized manufacturing firms. The conference, hosted by the NEMW Congressional Coalition and the Modernization Forum, also featured three business owners who have benefited from MEP.

"We do wonderful basic research in the U.S., but we must help bring these ideas to the developers and manufacturers so that all our people will benefit from them" stated Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), chair of the subcommittee that overseas environment and technology programs including MEP. "The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is an excellent program that helps bridge the gap between basic research, applied research and market-ready products."

Jim Barcia (D-MI), ranking member on the subcommittee, voiced concerns that the proposed FY 2003 budget would cut funding for MEP. "Without adequate federal funding, MEP will lose its ability to help small businesses stay in business," Barcia said. "The trickle down negative effect would have dire consequences not only for the companies themselves, but also for their employees, the communities where they are located and the entire supply chain that relies on small manufacturers for essential components and materials."

"MEP is a vital link in the supply chain of manufactured goods between small and large manufacturers nationwide, according to Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MI), co-chair of the Northeast Midwest (NEMW) Congressional Coalition. "Small manufacturers must remain innovative and competitive if we are to continue to grow the economy and ensure that the U.S. military has the pieces it needs to defend our nation."

Richard Singer, owner and general manger of Acra Cast of Bay City, Mich., noted that MEP played a vital role in promoting entrepreneurial growth and job creation. "MEP helped us find the high quality resources to successfully implement our workforce training. In the last two years . . . we've grown 32 percent" Singer said. "We've also added 15 percent to our labor force."

"The MEP is an important tool to help keep our economy running," added Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-MI) "This program assists small businesses by providing resources and training that would otherwise be beyond their reach. Almost half of the firms served by MEP have fewer than 50 employees, and nearly two-thirds have less than 100."

"We don't have the time nor the money to invest in pie in the sky dreams," said Mr. Robert A. Fox, President of Conax Buffalo Technologies in Buffalo, NY. "Our projects with MEP greatly enhanced our competitiveness and we have had no layoffs despite the current economic downturn." "Manufacturing, unlike the service industry, creates wealth," noted Ms. Kerstin Forrester, President and CEO of Stonebridge Corporation, a manufacturer of precision metal parts in Holliston, MA. "Due to our work with MEP, we greatly enhanced our productivity, brought on-time delivery from 17% to 90%, and provided two months of training. These results benefited not only my company, but the local community and our customers."

After the press conference, Chairman of the House Science Committee Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) said: "As an author of the legislation that created this program, I add my voice to those of my colleagues who are supporting full funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program in FY 2003. The rationale for the MEP program is as valid today as it was when we created it: many small and medium sized businesses, particularly manufacturers, simply do not have the wherewithal or the know-how to keep up with the latest advances in technology."

"MEP enjoys strong support in the House because this program works," stated Rep. Jack Quinn (R-NY), co-chair of the NEMW Congressional Coalition after the press conference."

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a national network of centers with 400 offices across the country and Puerto Rico that provide technical assistance and business support services to American manufacturers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the Department of Commerce coordinates the program.

The President's fiscal 2003 budget request would cut the MEP by 88 percent, from $106 million in FY 2002 to only $13 million. In a letter circulated by Rep. Quinn, Rep. Meehan, Rep. Barcia and Rep. Tom Sawyer (D-NY), 226 representatives expressed their support for an appropriation of $110 million for MEP, arguing that without the federal component, the MEP program would cease to be the force it is today in the small manufacturing sector.

# # #

[ top ] [ back ]