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 todays 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, and more than 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 450 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
Each MEP Center is a partnership between the federal government and a variety of public or private entities, including state, university and nonprofit organizations.
In FY 2021, the MEP National Network interacted with 34,307 U.S. manufacturers from nearly all manufacturing industries, delivering assistance and helping U.S. manufacturers recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to clients surveyed in FY 2021, survey results showed the MEP National Network services helped U.S. manufacturers:
- $14.4 billion in new and retained sales
- $5.2 billion in new client investments
- $1.5 billion cost savings
- Create or retain 125,746 jobs
For every one dollar of federal investment in FY 2021, the MEP National Network generated $26.20 in new sales growth and $34.50 in new client investment. This translates into $3.9 billion in new sales. During this same time, for every $1,193 of federal investment, the Network created or retained one manufacturing job.