Assistance would help keep and create jobs
PITTSBURGH, PA- In a visit today to Dawar Technologies on the North Side of Pittsburgh, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) proposed doubling funding for a federal program that helps small manufacturers. The federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) provides assistance through the Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Centers (IRC) to help local manufacturers adapt to changing markets, acquire new technology and expand their operations. Senator Casey announced today that he will pursue additional funding for the MEP program as part of the economic recovery package that will be debated in Washington in January.
“Just as the steel industry is the backbone of America, small- and medium-sized manufacturers are an integral part of our economy and our communities,” said Senator Casey. “When we consider how to put our economy on the road to recovery one way should be to expand a proven program to help manufacturers sustain or create new jobs. That is why I will push for additional funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and Industrial Resource Centers through the economic recovery package with the ultimate goal of doubling their annual funding.”
The Pennsylvania IRC Network operates in seven geographic regions and receives a mix of federal and state funding. The federal funding comes through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Catalyst Connection serves Southwest Pennsylvania.
Nationally in 2006, the MEP program helped: create or retain over 52,000 jobs; increase or retain sales of $6.8 billion; leverage over $1.7 billion in private sector investment; and generate cost savings of $1.1 billion.
Clients of Catalyst Connection, the IRC/MEP program for Pittsburgh and the Southwest, have reported $93 million in increased sales, $247 million in sales retained, $17 million in cost savings and 819 jobs created or retained.
Despite its success, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership has recently faced funding cuts. In 2006, it received $104.6 million, but only $89.6 million in FY 2008.
Senator Casey supports doubling funding for the MEP program to $210 million per year and will seek additional funding as part of the economic recovery package that will be considered by Congress in January.
Formed in 1988 by Senator Casey’s father, Governor Robert P. Casey, Pennsylvania's Industrial Resource Centers are a network of seven independent, private, not-for-profit educational corporations located strategically throughout the state. The IRCs work together to develop the best strategies and services which will respond to the needs of Pennsylvania's smaller (under 500 employees) manufacturers. The Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Program was established to help Pennsylvania manufacturers compete more effectively through the adoption of new manufacturing philosophies, techniques and technologies.
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