Senators anonounce over $1.8 million investment in Oregon manufacturing public-private partnerships

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) --  Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Monday that $1,852,748 is heading to the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) to bolster Oregon manufacturers. This funding will provide public-private partnerships to small and medium sized manufacturers across the state. 

“If we don’t make things in America, we won’t have a middle class in America, and when Oregon’s manufacturing industry does well, all Oregonians benefit,” said Merkley. “This funding gives the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership the support it needs to provide local manufacturers with opportunities to grow and be competitive in the global marketplace.” 

“The manufacturing that generates good-paying jobs throughout Oregon doesn’t happen by osmosis; it requires smart and targeted investments just like this,” said Wyden. “I’m gratified the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership has earned these federal resources, and I’ll keep teaming up with our state’s manufacturers to secure the investments they need to thrive.”

 The funding comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The MEP program works through collaborations at the federal, state and local levels, and with manufacturers to develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains.