WASHINGTON ­- U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today applauded the announcement of a $1,679,580 U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) grant awarded to the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP), a not-for-profit company based in Morris Plains. The grant enables the NJMEP to provide low-cost technical assistance and other services to New Jersey manufacturers, helping them develop new customers and create jobs.

"This funding will help many of New Jersey's smaller manufacturers realize more of their potential through the NJMEP's innovative programs and initiatives," said Senator Menendez. "Supporting our local manufacturers is key to strengthening our state's economy. Manufacturing has always been a cornerstone of New Jersey's great legacy, and it happens to be an integral part to our future in this state. I greatly appreciate that with this grant award, the NJMEP will continue its efforts through the upcoming year."

"Manufacturers are an important part of New Jersey's economy, and this federal funding will help local companies create jobs and expand their manufacturing capacity," said Senator Lautenberg. "This grant will help New Jersey manufacturers improve their production processes, and is an example of a smart federal investment that will help local businesses innovate and strengthen our economy."

The grant was awarded through the USDOC's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The MEP offers clients a wealth of unique and effective resources centered on five critical areas: technology acceleration, supplier development, sustainability, workforce and continuous improvement. By placing innovations developed through research at federal laboratories, educational institutions and corporations directly in the hands of U.S. manufacturers, MEP serves an essential role sustaining and growing America's manufacturing base. The program assists manufacturers in achieving new sales, leading to higher tax receipts and new sustainable jobs in the high paying advanced manufacturing sector.

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. is a not-for-profit company that was established in January 1996, with the USDOC's approval, through the efforts of Dr. Saul Fenster, then President of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Dr. Donald Sebastian, Executive Director of the Center for Manufacturing Systems (CMS) at NJIT, and Dr. Jay Brandinger, then Director of the Commission on Science and Technology. The NJMEP is one of 59 MEPs across the United States that is working to support the manufacturing sector by delivering technical and business assistance resulting in substantial savings and growth.

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