Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo Meets with area manufacturers
Worcester, MA – The Honorable Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, visited the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) this month to learn about jobs and manufacturing growth in Massachusetts. He was joined by Representatives John Mahoney, Dan Donahue, and Jim O’Day. The meeting introduced the legislators to manufacturers and members of the workforce who have benefited from MassMEP’s services in operational excellence, workforce strategies, and innovative growth solutions.
“Over the past five years, MassMEP clients have reported 2207 jobs created and 6811 jobs retained by their clients, as well as $109.8 million in cost savings, and $627.2 million in increased and retained sales,” reported John Killam, Operations Manager for MassMEP.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo stated, “I believe that manufacturing will play an integral role in revitalizing communities across the Commonwealth and will further accelerate Massachusetts’ economy. Joined by MassMEP, the Legislature’s efforts provide workforce training and education, link leading innovators with manufacturing companies, and support businesses as they grow and employ more residents.”
Industrial Packaging Showcases Operational Excellence
Matt Hogan, President of Industrial Packaging, discussed the company’s growth from a 40,000 square foot facility to a new 140,000 facility. MassMEP provided Industrial Packaging with the training and expertise that helped them expand. This allowed them to obtain new business and add an additional 60,000 square foot facility. With each expansion, Industrial Packaging increased revenue and employment.
“In the 3 years Industrial Packaging has been working with MassMEP, we have seen 13% sales growth and created 225 jobs.” explained Hogan. “MassMEP provides a value-added piece that our company would not have grown without.”
New Graduates Showcase Workforce Strategies
Two graduates of MassMEP’s Workforce Strategies Advanced CNC Program expressed their appreciation for the training that they received and talked about how it changed their lives.
“The training that MassMEP provided me, while rigorous, opened doors to the jobs I knew I wanted,” stated Johanna Henning, Advanced CNC Program Graduate. “The training allowed me the opportunity to change careers after being laid off from a job in binding as there were no binding jobs available in Massachusetts.”
MassMEP’s Workforce Strategies Advanced CNC program offers training to people who are no longer employed; the training program provides the participants the additional training in skills they don’t currently have and will allow them to obtain jobs that they otherwise would not have access to. The Advanced CNC training program covers 280 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, 30 hours of career readiness, and 20 hours of Math Bootcamp. Upon graduation, students receive a 10-hour OSHA general industry card, Massachusetts Pre-Apprentice certificate, and MACWIC certification Level 3 certification. To date, 600 students have graduated from this program and entered the workforce filling much needed job vacancies.
New Technologies Showcase Innovative Growth Solutions
“There is some element to every manufacturer’s business that can create opportunity for innovation and growth,” stated Jack Healy, Director of Operations at MassMEP. “If a manufacturer has identified this element, then MassMEP will assist in its realization. If a manufacturer does not yet have a target, then MassMEP will help lead the discovery.”
Stephen Marsh, President of Encite Corp., talked about the company’s need to push the limits of technology in order to manufacture his idea into a product to sell. Since working with MassMEP, Mr. Marsh has found a company to produce his product in an efficient and innovative manner that will revolutionize his company in the future.
Peter Russo, Program Manager for this area explained how MassMEP helps companies create Innovative Growth Solutions. Programs provide companies with the ideal environment to take a new product idea from concept to commercialization.
“This training program prepares people for good jobs in manufacturing,” said Rep. John Fernandes, Chairman of the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. “It provides the opportunity to create a career pathway for future growth and obtain a living wage to support families. I am proud to support this program – the only one of its kind in Massachusetts.”
