MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program

By Sean Healy In News Releases Posted 03/21/2017

Worcester, MA – MassMEP recently celebrated the graduation of students who participated in the Advanced CNC Program funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The graduation was attended by Representatives Jeffrey Roy and Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore, and the graduates’ family members.

Presenting citations to manufacturing graduates of the More Skilled Workers program. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Rep. Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore.

At the ceremony, Rep. Roy, House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus Committee, recognized the hard work of the graduates and their dedication to building on their skill base in order to enter into a manufacturing career. Rep. Roy stated, “Congratulations for taking the step to be a part of the manufacturing renaissance that is going on in Massachusetts. Manufacturing is flourishing in Massachusetts.”

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification training program was developed by the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) to meet the demands of Massachusetts manufacturers. Since it’s launch, MassMEP has graduated 326 students. The placement rate upon graduation is 93%, with an average starting wage of $18.00.

The MassMEP Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification program has worked with about 175 Massachusetts companies to provide assistance in filling their skills gaps. The benefit of the program is the cost savings to employers. By virtue of the candidates receiving the MACWIC credential upon graduation, an employer knows the competencies of the candidate prior to hiring them. This can save the employer significant time and cost when on-boarding a new employee.

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification pyramid.

“This 7-week training program is life-changing for the participants,” stated John Killam, MassMEP President. “The training they receive provides them with the skills to earn a living wage and support their family. These are not skills they had prior to this training course, but now they will have them for the rest of their lives.”

The graduates spent seven (7) weeks participating in an intensive classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare for jobs as CNC operators. MassMEP’s training model combines classroom, simulation, and hands-on training to build job ready skills. Additionally, students are prepared with work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing. Their hard work was rewarded at graduation with the receipt of certificates in OSHA training and Principles of Lean manufacturing, as well as a certificate of completion for their full course work. Representatives Roy and Donahue and Senator Moore also presented the graduates with citations from the State House.

The advanced CNC training program covers 260 hours overall and includes 80 hours of foundational manufacturing skills, 100 hours of advanced CNC skills training at WPI, 40 hours of MasterCAM, 10 hours of OSHA training, and 30 hours of career readiness. Upon graduation, the students receive a 10-hour OSHA general industry card, Massachusetts Pre-Apprentice certificate, and MACWIC certification.

The program is a three-phase training strategy to prepare and place individuals in a paid job and position them along a career pathway that would culminate in certificate/degrees as CNC machine operators. The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and leveraged funding from MassDevelopment and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, and achievement.

About MACWIC

The purpose of the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovative Collaborative is to preserve manufacturing tribal knowledge and to execute the transfer of knowledge and critical skills to the current and future workforce. For more information, visit http://www.macwic.org

MassMEP Announces New Board Chair

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 01/18/2017

Worcester, MA – Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), an economic development and management consulting organization committed to assisting small and mid-size manufacturers compete and grow in the global economy, is pleased to announce the election by unanimous vote of the new chair of the board of directors, William Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan, who joined the MassMEP board of directors in June 2016, is Vice President, Performance Products, for FLEXcon, Inc., (Spencer, MA).

“Since joining the board, Bill has been instrumental in our strategic growth,” stated John Killam, President, MassMEP. “He is a creative and progressive leader. We look forward to working with him to continue the growth of MassMEP.”

William Sullivan

Mr. Sullivan oversees the Performance Products business team at FLEXcon, which is responsible for the development, marketing, and commercialization of high performance adhesives, functional coatings, film castings, and functional microstructures. He is author of national published articles focused on FLEXcon’s success in creating Sharklet™, a functional microstructure that prevents the growth of bacteria through a unique microscopic design. Mr. Sullivan’s expertise is helping companies bring their concepts and ideas to life and then commercializing them.

“I am pleased to be named director of the MassMEP board,” said Sullivan. “This organization provides critical resources that help manufacturers improve processes, learn new techniques, and increase their knowledge about the latest trends in the manufacturing industry.”

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About FLEXcon

FLEXcon Company, Inc. is a global leader in coated and laminated films and adhesives used in graphics applications, manufactured goods and new products. For over 60 years, FLEXcon has provided a collaborative, consultative approach to deliver unique solutions that help customers achieve better business results. FLEXcon is a trusted partner to a wide range of companies from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass., the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.flexcon.com/, follow FLEXcon on Twitter @FLEXcon, or call 1-508-885-8200.

More than 750 educated through training programs

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 12/12/2016

Two Central Massachusetts training programs have completed educating employees at 17 different manufacturing companies, creating 40 new jobs and retaining 32 employees as a result.

The programs funded by the Workforce Training Fund Program managed by the Commonwealth Corp. offered education with the goal of updating the skills of the companies’ workforces. The trainings were coordinated by the Central MA Workforce Investment Board in partnership with the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provided instruction. Topics ranged from basic manufacturing skills to leadership training, job safety and included more specific programs such as geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

The participating manufacturers completed a total of 96 trainings and trained 779 employees over the course of the project. According to data collected by MassMEP, there were positive results for the manufacturers.

Increased sales: $4,574,000
Jobs created: 403
Jobs retained: 32
Cost savings: $1,384,075

The companies that participated were:

Southbridge Sheet Metal
INCOM
David Packard Co.
Dexter-Russell
G&F Industries
United Lens
H.T. Machine
Magnetic Technologies
Schott North America
Swissturn
T & D Specialties
Eaton-Wrightline
ECM Plastics/A. Schulman
Prematech
Kinefac
Stellar Industries
Primetals Technologies

Jim Laliberte from Primetals Technologies said in a statement that these trainings are important, especially as companies face replacing significant portions of their workforce in the coming years.

“A shortage of adequately skilled workers in the U.S. is a problem faced by most companies and could compromise the country’s economic competitiveness if left unaddressed,” Laliberte said in a statement.

You can read the original article on WBJournal.com.

Lean in the Fast Lane

By Kathie Mahoney In Videos Posted 12/07/2016

Join a Race Car “Pit Crew”

Learn the Three Keys to Sustaining Your Continuous Improvement Gains

MassMEP’s Bauer Appointed to Mass Workforce Board Association Executive Committee

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 10/13/2016

Worcester, MA – At the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association Joint Summer Meeting, Ted Bauer, Director Workforce Development Strategies at MassMEP, was appointed to the Association’s Executive Committee. Secretary Ronald Walker, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, was in attendance.

Ted Bauer serves on the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board(CMWIB) and also chairs the Career Center committee. Mr. Bauer has been involved with the CMWIB for over nine years.

The Massachusetts Workforce Board Association is a business-led organization that represents the members of the 16 Massachusetts regional workforce boards, and provides leadership in developing a collective vision of the workforce development system in the Commonwealth. The Association’s members include employers, representatives of labor, higher education, business and industry. Donald Gillis serves as its Executive Director.

The Massachusetts Workforce Board Association’s mission is to provide Workforce Investment Board members and workforce partners, through their Association representatives, with an independent vehicle to:
Analyze, develop, and promote a collective vision of the workforce development system,
Take initiative in developing recommendations for the design of a user friendly, market driven workforce system,
Share ideas on innovative responses to problems in coordinating the activities of the workforce system,
Discuss and build consensus for responses to initiatives from state agencies,
Develop strategies to increase the support and participation from the business and labor communities in WIB activities,
Take formal unified action on issues of common concern, and
Support and strengthen the development of WIBs’ and their partners’ capacity in each region.

“Ted Bauer brings decades of experience representing Massachusetts’ manufacturers and will be an asset to the Association,” said Stan Usovicz, Association Chair. Added Don Gillis, “Mr. Bauer’s skills will help the Association better respond to the needs of the next generation of manufacturers. We welcome him aboard.”

“MassMEP is honored to be selected for the Massachusetts Workforce Board and to have the opportunity to provide insight to key policy decision makers on the workforce needs of the manufacturing companies in the Commonwealth.” stated John Killam, President of MassMEP.

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Focus on Manufacturing

By Kathie Mahoney In Videos Posted 10/06/2016

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

MassMEP Assists in Interscope’s Product Launch

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 03/10/2016

WORCESTER, Mass, March 10, 2016 — Worcester-based Interscope, Inc. has received approval from the European Union to market its EndoRotor System, an endoscopic device that streamlines interventional gastrointestinal procedures used to manage colon and esophageal cancer. Additionally, the U.S. Patent Office has awarded Interscope five patents for its innovative medical device.

Interscope’s EndoRotor System is a single resection tool to remove mucosal lesions (i.e., polyps) and Barrett’s esophagus more effectively than existing products. According to the American Cancer Society, while a majority of mucosal disease is benign, patients with polyps and/or Barrett’s have an increased risk for cancer.

Interscope President and Co-Founder Jeffery Ryan explained, “Many young companies face business needs that are often not paired well with available resources. The partnership that MassMEP and Boston Engineering presented enabled a dream to take reality in a challenging and dynamic regulatory environment.”

The Interscope milestones are rooted in early support that it received from The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP). As part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, MassMEP provides resources to help companies succeed with invention, innovation, and commercialization that supports economic growth in the Commonwealth. Interscope required early proof-of-concept support and product development expertise to help commercialize its concept.

MassMEP provided some early stage subsidies through its Federal partner, NIST MEP, and the Research Triangle Institute to support a Technology Scouting initiative. This support helped Interscope to shape the product specification prior to launching the development effort with its resource partner Boston Engineering.

John Killam, center director of MassMEP stated, “The successful commercial launch of the EndoRotor System is a testament to the strength of collaboration between public and private resources to create an ecosystem capable of providing optimal solutions for high-value projects such as Interscope.”

Interscope used this early-stage support to advance its business, which included selecting Boston Engineering to develop the product. Boston Engineering drove the product development and design for manufacturing (DFM) process including feasibility and analysis; industrial design; rapid prototyping; and product engineering. Additionally, Boston Engineering provided regulatory submission support and collaborated with the Interscope team to develop and implement its quality management system.

“MassMEP plays an important role in Massachusetts growth by supporting the commercialization of technologies that have the potential to change the way that people work and live,” said Mark Smithers, co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) of Boston Engineering. “Interscope’s five patents to date reflect the company’s innovative approach to addressing clinical needs. We are proud to work closely with the Interscope team throughout the medical device product development and submission support process.”

Interscope was co-founded by two Massachusetts-based healthcare leaders. Company president and CEO Jeffrey Ryan Jr. previously held several senior sales and marketing positions in the medical devices industry. And for the past nine years, Interscope Chief Scientific Officer Ramon Franco, MD has been the Division Director for Laryngology at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

About Interscope, Inc.

Interscope, Inc. is the developer of the EndRotor System, a patented interventional resection device to address the challenges of sessile lesions and incomplete resection. Interscope is headquartered in Worcester, Mass. and is available online http://interscopemed.com/

About The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP)

MassMEP is part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and a nonprofit organization that believes, given the proper support, manufacturers can challenge themselves and grow strategically, improve profitability, and create competitive advantages. MassMEP supports this belief by providing experiential learning and solution-based support services. Every engagement focuses on both the transfer of knowledge and the successful implementation of this learning for immediate impact on the company. MassMEP also serves as a valuable bridge to other organizations and programs that share a passion for developing technology and creating growth opportunities in a domestic manufacturing environment.

About Boston Engineering

Boston Engineering provides product design and engineering consulting across the entire product development process from concept through product launch. Certified for ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, our industry expertise includes consumer products, defense ; security, medical devices, robotics, and industrial & commercial products. We are also the Northeast’s largest PTC software reseller. Boston Engineering is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. with an additional office at UMass Dartmouth’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.boston-engineering.com

Speaker Robert DeLeo announces new West. Mass business networking program

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 03/03/2016

BOSTON – House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, on Wednesday announced the formation of Baystate Business Link, a new business mentoring program in Western Massachusetts.

DeLeo announced the new initiative — a partnership between the House and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce — in a morning speech to the Chamber of Commerce.

“Baystate Business Link will concentrate on connecting businesses across the state, highlighting B2B (business-to-business) opportunities and encouraging mentorships,” DeLeo said, according to his prepared remarks.

A working group to advance the effort will include former Massachusetts Energy Secretary Rick Sullivan, who is now CEO of the Western Mass Economic Development Council; Scott Bailey, managing director of MassChallenge, an accelerator for start-ups; and Jack Healy from MassMEP, a group that assists Massachusetts manufacturers.

DeLeo said the group will “help weave together untapped potential in Massachusetts.”

DeLeo framed the new initiative as part of an effort by lawmakers to improve the economy outside of Greater Boston. “Let’s leverage our existing successes so that energetic entrepreneurs, promising students and small but worthy businesses outside of Boston are no longer overlooked,” DeLeo said.

Sullivan said the working group will develop a dialogue with Boston-businesses that are looking to grow. For example, businesses looking for a company to do manufacturing, run call centers, provide data functions or fill other parts of their supply chain could find businesses in Western Massachusetts to fulfill some of those roles.

“Our priority is to look to make links between the Boston business community, which is booming, and looking to make connections to western Massachusetts to be able to grow business opportunities for western Mass.,” Sullivan said. “At least give western Massachusetts a look and give us a seat at the business table to make the case as to why investment in western Mass. would be good.”

Read the full article at www.masslive.com.

MASSDEVELOPMENT, MASSMEP, SBANE PARTNER ON DEFENSE INDUSTRY RESEARCH, MANUFACTURING JOBS TRAINING THANKS TO $1.7M FEDERAL GRANT

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 02/29/2016

As part of a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment, MassDevelopment is partnering with the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Smaller Business Association of New England to help Massachusetts defense-related businesses expand into civilian markets. With the OEA funds, the partnership will analyze the Massachusetts-based defense supply chain, help companies commercialize their research products, and expand the efforts of MassDevelopment’s Manufacturing Innovation Centers. The $1.7 million grant builds on $1.4 million that OEA awarded to MassDevelopment in 2015, which the Agency used to assess the Commonwealth’s defense industry and identify opportunities for technology advancement and growth.

“The DOD’s decision to invest in Massachusetts is a win all around –locally and nationally. It will have a considerable impact on the Massachusetts economy, allowing local businesses to grow and adapt to modern technology and needs,”said U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas. “At the same time, it will allow Massachusetts to continue developing the modern technology needed by our servicemembers around the world to stay safe and successful. I commend MassDevelopment for its continued advocacy on behalf of small businesses in Massachusetts and was proud to have joined my colleague Rep. Moulton in strongly supporting them. The success of this grant is another example of the federal government’s recognition of the unique ecosystem we have here in Massachusetts that combines world class academic and research institutions, top-tier military facilities and cutting-edge businesses to form a leading innovation hub in support of our nation’s defense.”

“We look forward to continuing our work with MassMEP and SBANE, two organizations that have led the way in advancing the innovation economy and growing manufacturing jobs,”said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “Portable MRI machines and WiFi on airplanes are just two examples of innovations that Massachusetts companies produced for the defense industry that later became commercial successes. Thanks to this vital federal support, more businesses across the Commonwealth can transform their military goods into civilian ones.”

The first OEA grant awarded funds for MassMEP, through MassDevelopment, to expand its outreach to defense manufacturers and expand its workforce-development efforts. The Worcester-based organization developed an eight-week CNC operator skills training course for the unemployed with Worcester Polytechnic Institute; the grant made it possible to expand that program to University of Massachusetts Lowell. The first class has completed its training with a second class to begin in May. MassMEP and UMass Lowell train the participants in advanced CNC skills. The objective is to prepare the participants for employment at the completion of the training. Past placement of graduates is above 90 percent, at family-sustaining wages and a pathway to a new longer-term career.

“MassMEP is honored to partner with MassDevelopment and SBANE on this grant. MassMEP will receive MRL/TRL training allowing us to provide assistance 10 10 SBIR companies to bring their products to commercialization,”stated John Killam, Center Director. “We will work with the 10 companies to complete a value analysis and provide expert guidance in the development of their manufacturing and commercialization plan to help with their profitable growth in Massachusetts.”

The $1.7 million grant extension covers four tasks:

MassDevelopment will conduct an in-depth analysis of the defense supply chain.
The Agency has tasked MassMEP in collaboration with MassVentures with identifying and selecting 10 Massachusetts companies to participate in a small business innovation research program, which will help them transition inventions to commercial products and services.
SBANE will work with consultants to help Massachusetts defense firms commercialize their technology and products.
MassDevelopment will expand its Manufacturing Innovation Centers program to include 10 defense firms. The Centers, through services and expertise, will help these small- to medium-sized manufacturers grow their businesses.

“MassDevelopment has elevated the high-tech defense sector to the same level as the life science sector of the Massachusetts economy,”said SBANE President Bob Baker. “We’re excited about this grant and partnership and look forward to holding our first session in Fall River in March.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2015, MassDevelopment financed or managed 294 projects generating investment of more than $2.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 6,100 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 2,000 residential units.

The Smaller Business Association of New England, Inc. (SBANE), founded in 1938, is a private not-for-profit association of approximately 600 member companies located throughout the six-state region. SBANE was established to provide a legislative voice for small business at the state and federal levels and to make practical information available to help business owners grow their companies. SBANE runs diverse, educational and networking programs each year and has active chapters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The membership is characterized by a high degree of participation, reflected in a large and dynamic committee structure, addressing a range of topics from international trade to human resources.

MassMEP and UMass Lowell address the biggest barrier to Manufacturing Growth

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 02/24/2016

Worcester, MA – Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), a leading resource for manufacturing companies in Massachusetts, and UMass Lowell graduated the first class to complete the Advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing training program this month. Part of the Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification, the program’s 12 graduates spent eight weeks in an intensive curriculum of classroom and hands-on work to prepare for jobs as CNC operators. More than half of the graduates had a position upon graduation.

This group of students represents the first graduating class as part of the MassMEP/UMass Lowell Advanced CNC training partnership, which expands the existing MassMEP program that is endorsed by AIM and operated by MassMEP. The new partnership with UMass Lowell enables MassMEP to double its training capacity in advanced CNC technology.

“MassMEP is excited about this new partnership and the opportunity to expand our reach to further develop a skilled workforce in manufacturing,” stated Ted Bauer, Director Workforce Development Strategies. “More than half of the candidates had been placed into a job prior to graduation. The existing program with WPI has an over 90 percent job placement rate and we are excited to see the companies in the Lowell area responding as favorably to our graduates.”

The 280-hour Advanced CNC training program consists of:
· Level 1 – Shop Math, Blueprint Reading, Metrology and Quality Inspection, Work Readiness and Safety;
· Level 2 – Lean Manufacturing, CNC Mill Concepts and Hands-on, CNC Lathe Concepts and Hands-on, Intro to Programming and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing; and
· Level 3 – Advanced CNC Skills including set-up, fixturing, tool selection, quality inspection, CAD/CAM training and OSHA Safety. Included in Level 3 is additional work in resume-writing, interviewing skills, value stream mapping, SPC, and finance for the shop floor.

As part of a MassDevelopment program supported by the Office of Economic Adjustment grant, MassMEP provides the foundation level instructional training to the participants and UMass Lowell provides advanced training in CNC Machine Operations. UMass Lowell invested in CNC machines in its new College of Engineering Makerspace, where the hands-on portion of the program is held.

Job Fair with “Speed Interviewing”

A unique component of the program is a “speed dating” type of job fair that is conducted with local manufacturers before the conclusion of the class. This class’ job fair was held at New England Die Cutting, where 15 companies conducted a pre-interview with the 12 candidates.

“Through this important partnership, UMass Lowell and MassMEP are working together to assist industry in meeting its needs for skilled workers, to provide valuable training to individuals that will help them advance their careers and to help fuel the Commonwealth’s economy by keeping companies and jobs here,” said Joseph Hartman, dean of UMass Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering. John Mulligan, the lead instructor at UMass Lowell, said that it is impressive how much training can be successfully done during just eight weeks.

About UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its 17,500 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers. http://www.uml.edu