Enhanced services and Supplier Scouting Program designed to streamline supply chains and bolster U.S. manufacturing.
Bothell, WA (August 9, 2023) – Impact Washington, an approved center and official representative of the MEP National Network™ in Washington state, has been awarded a $400,000 grant. This funding will enable the organization to significantly enhance its supplier scouting services and resources tailored to small and mid-size manufacturers.
The grant comes as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which has allocated $20 million to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership. This is a nationwide initiative to boost U.S. manufacturing capabilities, with Impact Washington being one of the outreach centers benefiting from federal support.
Manufacturing processes often face complex challenges, particularly in accessing essential materials. Businesses find themselves navigating intricate supply chains while striving to meet American-made standards and reduce the environmental impact of international shipping.
Impact Washington introduces its Supplier Scouting Services and Matching Program to address these obstacles. Leveraging a profound understanding of the Washington State manufacturing landscape, Impact Washington is dedicated to facilitating connections with suppliers that cater to each business's unique needs. The primary objective of this program is to retain millions of dollars in supply chain production within the U.S. by effectively connecting organizations with suitable domestic suppliers, including those that may be rare or challenging to locate.
Jessica Ingle, the Chief Operating Officer of Impact Washington, commented on the program, stating, "Our goal is to empower businesses to thrive in the competitive manufacturing environment. We understand the critical importance of having access to reliable and sustainable suppliers. By harnessing our expertise and the extensive MEP National Network, we seek to streamline the supplier scouting process, ensuring seamless connections and sustained profitability for our clients."
In line with its commitment to delivering exceptional services, Impact Washington proudly announces the promotion of Anibeth Ruiz as the new Supply Chain Program Manager. With her extensive industry experience and dedication to maintaining the highest standards, Anibeth will spearhead and manage the Supplier Scouting Services and Match program, further strengthening Impact Washington's ability to support manufacturers in optimizing their supply chains and efficiently sourcing essential materials.
Impact Washington's New Supplier Scouting Services provide a unique opportunity for organizations to find difficult-to-source vendors, materials, or technical resources. By availing these innovative solutions, manufacturers can bolster their operations and gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic market.
About Impact Washington-NIST MEP
As a NIST MEP–approved Center, Impact Washington is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Washington State. Impact Washington is a statewide non-profit organization that provides competitive, value-driven consulting and training services. With access to public and private resources, we enhance growth, improve productivity, reduce costs, and expand manufacturing capacity in Washington. Our solutions, consulting, and educational opportunities focus on small and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the state. 1997 Impact Washington has delivered measurable, validated business results/impacts to more than 1,500 Washington State manufacturers.
About MEP National Network™
The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing.
Focused on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today's technology-driven economy, the MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 430 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
In 2022, the MEP National Network connected with more than 33,500 manufacturers, leading to $18.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in cost savings, and $6.4 billion in new client investments, and helped create or retain more than 116,700 jobs.
About NIST
NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is a nonregulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. To learn more about NIST, visit www.nist.gov