The importance of manufacturing extension—A state perspective

The importance of manufacturing extension programs to the states, who are both sponsors and customers of these programs, centers around the economic impact that states expect will be derived for client manufacturing firms and their local economies. States are driven by the need to preserve and enhance their manufacturing base as a vital, wealth-creating sector of their economies. They recognize that the cycle of rapid and constant change in both the use of technology and business systems which is being generated by the global economy impacts their small and medium-sized companies disproportionately. So they look to manufacturing extension programs to assist these companies through the transition, thus enabling them to survive and thrive in global competition.