Economic Development & Trade

Manufacturing Assistance

Updated September 24, 2008

As an increasing share of U.S. economic output gravitates toward service-oriented industries, it might be tempting to underestimate the role of manufacturing. In fact, manufacturers are a vital source of economic growth and job creation. State programs for manufacturing development tend to encompass elements of broader economic development programs but are targeted to the manufacturing sector.

The following organizations have information about the role of manufacturing in states' economies and programs that assist manufacturers:

Manufacturing Extension Partnership. MEP is a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers in over 400 locations nationwide that provide small and medium-sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. The centers, serving all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, are linked together through the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology.

National Association of Manufacturers. The NAM's mission is to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers and improve living standards for working Americans by shaping a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to U.S. economic growth, and to increase understanding among policy-makers, the media and the general public about the importance of manufacturing to America's economic strength.

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