Grants Available to Help Wisconsin Manufacturers Prepare for Recovery

For Immediate Release: December 21, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Frank Borg, Stout Technology Transfer Institute, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University - UW Stout, 715-829-0080

MADISON - State grant funds are available to help Wisconsin manufacturers improve performance, stimulate growth, and respond to new challenges as the economy recovers from the recession. "Wisconsin manufacturers who adopt Next Generation Manufacturing principles can improve their competitiveness, win a greater share of global markets, and react quickly to market opportunities," said Department of Commerce Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel.

The Next Generation Manufacturing grants, authorized by the Department of Commerce, are targeted to small and midsize manufacturers with less than 500 employees. Grants of $5,000 to $6,500 pay up to 50% of project costs for services delivered by the NWMOC. The remaining project costs are paid by the company.

Eligible projects include:

Lean Transformation:
Up to $5,000 per company is available for Enterprise Business Transformation projects, which include a comprehensive assessment of a company's operations, identification of key competitive priorities and an action plan to achieve them. This lean transformation approach improves performance across all facets of the business enterprise and generates significant financial results.

Business Growth:
Grants up to $6,500 per company are available for small to midsized manufacturers to implement Eureka! Winning Ways®, a nationally recognized and proven system that accelerates growth and generates ideas for new products and services.

A significant share of the funding already has been pledged for projects. Grants are offered on a first- come, first-serve basis. Project completion deadline is December 31, 2010. Interested manufacturers should call 1.866.880.2262 or 715.232.2397.

NWMOC Director Larry Blackledge said "With this assistance we will be able to help manufacturers prepare themselves for growth and profitability in the coming economic recovery."

The NWMOC provides services to small and midsized manufacturers in 33 counties in northern and western Wisconsin to help them compete in a global economy. Last year, through third-party independent surveying, NWMOC's clients reported over $60 million in impacts, 201 jobs created, and 178 jobs retained as a result of NWMOC services. Clients gave the NWMOC a 4.58 customer satisfaction rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible rating. The NWMOC, in partnership with CVTC, NTC, NATC, UW-Stout, WTC, and WITC, delivers the technical assistance and training needed to improve and grow manufacturing businesses.

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