The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership has been awarded $19 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The federal funding—$3.8 million annually for five years—was awarded to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, which will serve as the coordinating entity for Wisconsin’s MEP program, with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership serving as a subrecipient and key partner. State funding through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation remains in place, ensuring continued support for manufacturers. Together, UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center and WMEP will continue providing hands-on support to Wisconsin’s small- and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce capabilities, and adopt advanced technologies.
“WMEP has helped Wisconsin manufacturers strengthen their businesses for 30 years,” said Chris Baichoo, CEO and Executive Director of WMEP. “This funding ensures manufacturers continue to have access to experienced advisors who help solve their most pressing challenges.”
The funding ensures continuity of services following the planned dissolution of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity, which previously served as Wisconsin’s primary MEP recipient, with WMEP and MOC as subrecipients. The federal government had discontinued funding for MEPs in several states and there were questions about funding for Wisconsin’s partnership which led to WCMP dissolving and WMEP to cancel its spring 2026 conference.
Through the alliance, WMEP and MOC will continue to provide support in areas such as:
- Operational excellence and lean manufacturing
- Leadership and workforce development
- Business transformation and strategy
- Adoption of advanced technologies, including AI and automation
