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Posts Tagged: manufacturing

Grant Info Session “Consortiums”

By Kristy Grignon In Posted 02/07/2019

Don’t wait take advantage of the Workforce Training Fund and receive
training for your employees at NO cost!

 

MassMEP is providing a workshop designed to help companies prepare and apply for training funds through the Workforce Training Fund’s General Grant program for consortiums grants.

What is a consortium grant?

A consortium grant provides small to medium size companies an approach to continuous improvement training and manufacturing skills development with minimal cost, time and administrative responsibilities.

Each year the Commonwealth of Massachusetts awards millions of dollars in grant money to Massachusetts businesses under the Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP).  Why not be one of the next companies?

Our experts will guide you through the application process.

 Specific topics covered in this workshop include:

  • Develop a Training Plan
  • Establish Training Objectives
  • Identify Key Performance Indicators

What are the benefits of participating in a consortium grant?

    • MassMEP writes the grant on the behalf of the participating companies and arranges for grant administration
    • This approach enables small companies to train their organizations without taking everyone off the shop floor
    • Training provides cross-training and up-skills your current workforce which improves employee engagement and retention
    • Improves your company’s quality and productivity
    • Expands your company’s capacity

“Train people well enough so they can leave.

Treat people well enough so they don’t want to.”

Richard Branson

Who should attend: Decision makers in the company, Owners, Managers; HR, manufacturing, production, administration and finance.

 

manufacturing, skillsgap, Training, workforce

317 Manufacturing Fatalities in 2016

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post Posted 12/06/2018

317 Manufacturing Fatalities in 2016
Written by: Darcy Cook, Safety Trainers

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics report fatal work injuries involving violence and other injuries by persons or animals increased by 163 cases to 866 in 2016. Workplace homicides increased by 83 cases to 500 in 2016, and workplace suicides increased from 62 to 291. This is the highest homicide figure and the most suicides since 2010.

• The top three causes of fatalities in the workplace in order are car accidents, workplace violence and falls. To see the specific numbers for manufacturing visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
With the rise of homicide in the workplace, employers need to start to address the risks associated with workplace violence. Workplace violence falls under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Section 5(a)(1).

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, requires that each employer furnish to each of its employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

What you need to know?

• 98% of all active shooter incidents are committed by a single person
• 78% of all active shooters know at least one of their targets
• 40% commit suicide and 48% are killed by police or others
• 88% of active shooters DO NOT expect to survive
• Most active shooter events are less than 5-7 minutes (actual shooting)

Even with a response time of 2-3 minutes by police, most of the shooting is over by the time they arrive. We need to implement training that teaches our employees response options, find ways to secure and slow down shooters within our buildings and learn advanced first aid that includes tourniquet training.
When the police arrive on scene, they are not there to treat the wounded, they are there to neutralize the threat, learning lifesaving skills like “Stop the Bleed” which includes tourniquet training, will save lives.

If you are looking for guidelines to help you get started with a workplace violence plan, consider NFPA 3000. In response to the rise of active shooter incidents, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has put a provisional standard in place, NFPA 3000. Shortly after the mass killings in the Pulse Nightclub incident, the NFPA 3000 began in October 2016 and was quickly formed with a technical committee that included Department of Homeland Security; Department of Justice; the FBI; NSA: national police, fire and EMS organizations; hospitals; private security; and universities.

We can no longer say “It won’t happen here.” We need to write a program and train our staff in ways to protect against workplace violence.

Labor, manufacturing, Safety, workforce

Silverside Detectors MEP Heros Video

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases, Videos Posted 11/20/2018

#MEPNationalNetwork, #Startup, Business, Cybersecurity, DoD, manufacturing, SilversideDetectors, Training

Safety and Compliance is liking eating a bowl of alphabet soup!

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post Posted 11/07/2018

Safety and Compliance is liking eating a bowl of alphabet soup!

Written by: Darcy Cook, Safety Trainers

OSHA, DOT, NFPA, ISO, FDA, NIOSH, ANSI, and EPA just to name a few. Who regulates you? Who has the authority? Where do you begin? And, why do all the agencies have a different interpretation of the regulations?

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and you can find their standards for general industry online at OSHA.gov or in the 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards Book. Their mission is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

The sheer size and weight of the 29 CFR 1910 OSHA General Industries Standard Book of regulations can be overwhelming. So, let us recommend a better way for you to get started building your safety program. Take a look at the OSHA’s Small Business Handbook. This handbook will get you started on what regulations apply to almost every industry and provide the template for a health and safety management system.

Being responsible for your company’s health and safety management system, policies, procedures, programs, testing, equipment and training, is a full-time job. We can help save you time.

The OSHA’s Small Business Handbook is a free resource that will teach you;

  • How to start your four point health and safety management system
  • Over 40 self-inspection checklists for general industry
  • How to determine what standards apply to you
  • Appendix: Action Plan Worksheet
  • Appendix: Model Policy Statement from OSHA
  • Appendix: Code of Safe Practices

Still need more help? Attend one of our upcoming safety training series. We will;

  • Help you create a specific list to get your safety program moving in the right direction
  • Provide you with a list of 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards that apply to your business
  • Tips on effective training (not boring) and recommendations for employee engagement
  • Provide you forms, templates and resources that you can use to meet your compliance needs
  • Leave confident and ready to begin your new role as your company’s “competent person”

The OSHA Small Business Handbook is just one of the resources that we will use in creating your action plan to creating, editing or changing your safety and health program in our safety training series.

 

manufacturing, OSHA, Safety, Training

Leadership Effectiveness

By Kristy Grignon In Posted 11/06/2018

Many businesses rely on long-tenured managers who gained their supervisory skills through years of “on the job” experience.  As this generation retires, the position is typically filled by a promotion of a high performing team member.  However, high productivity does not always translate to effective managerial skills.  For many people – both the newly promoted person AND the team members, this experience is difficult, draining, and disappointing.

  • Learn about tools and techniques that new (and frankly seasoned) leaders can adopt
  • Transform the experience of managing to a joyous one.

Leadership, manufacturing, Training

MassMEP Promotes Kathie Mahoney to Center Director

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 11/05/2018

For more information contact:
John Killam, MassMEP, johnk@massmep.org
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com

November 5, 2018 – Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has announced the promotion of Kathie Mahoney to MassMEP Center Director. In this new position, Ms. Mahoney is responsible for leading and developing a team of professional consultants who create economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises through operational excellence, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives. In the past year alone, her team’s work with manufacturers produced a $69.6 million increase in new sales and added 843 new jobs.

Kathie Mahoney, MassMEP Center DirectorAs MassMEP Center Director, Ms. Mahoney guides the organization and works closely with the President and its Board of Directors to realize the Center’s goals. Over the course of 20 years, she has built the MassMEP brand to be a recognized and trusted advisor to manufacturers. She possesses a detailed knowledge of manufacturing and has an extensive background in grant management, financial oversight, marketing management, and leadership. Ms. Mahoney holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Assumption College and a Master’s of Science in Professional Communication from Clark University. She is also a Graduate of the NIST Emerging Leaders Program.

“MassMEP has a huge impact on the manufacturing ecosystem and I look forward to continuing the impressive growth and impact of the organization,” said Mahoney. “I believe the impact of MassMEP on its clients through top-line and bottom line results is a powerful driver of continuous improvement within the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem.”

John Killam, President of MassMEP stated, “We are very excited to have Kathie take on the role of Center Director for MassMEP. She brings to the job an exceptional combination of energy, leadership, and understanding of the challenges of manufacturing in Massachusetts. Her operational skill will help us continue to expand MassMEP and the work it does to strengthen Massachusetts manufacturers.”

About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that believes in cultivating a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, and enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit

continuous improvement, Growth, Impact, innovation, Leadership, MadeinMA, manufacturing, skillsgap, Training, workforce

Building a Strategic Marketing Plan Primed for Growth & Marketing Tools that every Manufacturer Should Leverage

By Kristy Grignon In Posted 10/24/2018

Lean manufacturing will take you far, but it is exponentially more valuable when paired with a strategic plan for long-term growth. Manufacturers with formalized, growth-centered strategic plans achieve their goals more efficiently and cost-effectively than those who focus only on the bottom line. This workshop will take MassMEP members through the entire process of building a strategic plan – from evaluating and prioritizing your needs to devising the best strategy and tactics to address those needs. You can expect to leave this workshop ready to create and implement your own growth-centered strategic marketing plan.

In today’s digital era, the most successful manufacturers take the principles of Six Sigma to the next level with innovative new digital marketing tools. You can measure your marketing in the same way that you measure manufacturing processes – and achieve the same sustained quality improvement that Six Sigma brings to your process. This workshop will illustrate useful tools ranging from customer relationship management (CRM) systems that help you keep your customers and prospects happy to marketing automation platforms that take care of repetitive tasks like email and event marketing and everything in between.

manufacturing, Marketing, mfgday

Karen Carswell Joins MassMEP as Project Manager for Western Region of Massachusetts

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 10/19/2018

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has announced that Karen Carswell has joined the organization as a Project Manager for the Western Region of Massachusetts. Ms. Carswell comes to MassMEP from Qnect where she served as a Marketing and Business Development Consultant; her work focused on lean methodologies and customer testimonials for validated learning. At MassMEP, she is responsible for developing manufacturing companies within the Western Region, which encompasses Hampden County, Franklin County, Hampshire County, Berkshire County, and parts of Worcester County.

 

Ms. Carswell brings to MassMEP clients a diverse range of experience, which includes lean methodologies, process improvement, and market research for business growth. She states, “I’m excited for the opportunity to be a member of the MassMEP team. I love being part of an organization that collaborates with businesses to achieve profitable growth. Helping manufacturing companies be sustainable during rapid technological innovation and increased competition is extremely rewarding. I’m inspired working side by side with executives and front-line workers as our team helps them achieve their goals. Every day we have the opportunity to develop people, reduce waste, and create value for our clients and their customers – and the passion for manufacturing is contagious among our team.”

 

“MassMEP is excited to have Ms. Carswell join the MassMEP team,” said John Killam, President of MassMEP. “Manufacturing in Massachusetts is prime for growth opportunities and Karen’s expertise can provide tremendous value to her clients.”

 

Most recently, Ms. Carswell received her Masters of Business Administration from UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management. It was there that she met Dr. Alan Robinson, who specializes in managing high-performing organizations, and her life changed for the better. “I want to do what you do,” Carswell said to Dr. Robinson. Carswell then immersed herself in Lean thinking and its application across industries. She has worked with LEI Cambridge and with the Continuous Improvement team at Cooley Dickinson, and has completed her Six Sigma yellow belt.

For more information please contact:

Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org 

© 2018, MassMEP, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

manufacturing, Training

Canceled – Cybersecurity ISO 27001 Information Session

By Kristy Grignon In Posted 10/18/2018

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement went into effect December 31, 2017 for all Defense Contractors, Suppliers, and Defense Manufacturers regardless of size in an effort to secure Dept. of Defense Covered Defense Information (CDI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

If your company generates any revenue related to the Department of Defense, this information is for you as it’s required for you to win and maintain future contracts.

ISO 27001 is the international standard that describes the best practice for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an information security management system (ISMS).  ISO 27001 provides a system to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.  Achieving accredited certification to ISO 27001 demonstrates to existing and potential customers that your organization follows information security best practices and provides an independent, expert verification that information security is managed in line with international best practices and business objectives. This is especially relevant when seeking ways in which to prove compliance with data security requirements such as NIST 800 – 171.

 

This one-day course covers:

  • An overview of available standards and management system documentation;
  • The benefits of ISMS certification;
  • An overview of ISO 27001 and its application;
  • The key elements of ISMS implementation project planning;
  • The core elements of an ISMS;
  • The key steps of an ISO 27001 risk assessment; and
  • An overview of the ISO 27001 Annex A controls.

 

 

Cybersecurity, DoD, manufacturing

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium to Feature Emerging Technologies from Manufacturing USA Institutes

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 10/05/2018

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium to Feature
Emerging Technologies from Manufacturing USA Institutes

Guest speakers: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito; Dean Kamen, ARMI | BioFab USA; Tracy Frost, DoD
Thursday, October 4, 2018, 8:00am to 1:30pm
DCU Center, Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, is pleased to announce The Future of Manufacturing Symposium, the first regional event that showcases the emerging technologies being developed by the Manufacturing USA Institutes. Manufacturing USA is a network of 14 research institutes in the U.S. focused on developing specialized advanced manufacturing technologies. The Symposium is designed for manufacturing executives, R&D managers, and educators who are looking to create new opportunities based on new technologies in such areas as robotics, photonics, biofabrication, cybersecurity, and more. The Symposium will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018, 8:00am to 1:30pm at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium will start with an address by MassMEP President and CEO John Killam. Confirmed keynote speakers include:

• Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. The Lt. Governor has traveled extensively across the state, working with people on issues related to living and working. She is also co-chair of the STEM Advisory Council, where she works hard to ensure that all students have access to comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and are inspired and prepared for careers in STEM fields.
• Tracy Frost, Director of DoD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech). ManTech is the Defense Department’s investment mechanism for staying at the forefront of defense-essential manufacturing capability. Frost also leads the DoD’s Manufacturing USA Institutes.
• Dean Kaman, inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of FIRST. Kamen serves as Executive Director the ARMI | BioFab USA Manufacturing USA institute and is President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation.
• U.S. Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta. Secretary Acosta was named to the list of 100 most influential individuals in business ethics in 2008 and has served in three presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed positions.

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium will also include special workshops featuring panel discussions by program managers from the Institutes. Topics include: exploring the future manufacturing needs of emerging technologies; repurposing existing technologies to advance the mission of the Manufacturing USA Institutes; preparing for the future of manufacturing: collaboration, workforce development, and new technologies; as well as cybersecurity and protecting today’s manufacturing organization.

Breakout sessions will provide a more in-depth look at the following Manufacturing USA Institutes:
Advanced Fabrics and Textiles (AFFOA)
Integrated Photonics (PHOTONICS)
Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)
Flexible Hybrid Electronics (NEXTFLEX)
Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing (NIIMBL)
Biofabrication (ARMI)
Cybersecurity Regulations

A detailed list of speakers and biographies can be found at http://www.massmanufacturingsymposium.org/speakers.html

Registration
For more information and to register, visit: http://www.massmanufacturingsymposium.org/index.html

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium is held in coordination with the WPI/QCC Integrated Photonics Symposium, hosted by WPI on October 3, 2018. For more information, see https://www.wpi.edu/news/calendar/events/inaugural-wpiqcc-integrated-photonics-symposium

About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that believes in cultivating a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, and enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit www.massmep.org.

About Manufacturing USA Institutes
Launched in 2012, Manufacturing USA (formerly the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, NNMI) is a network of 14 research institutes in the United States. Each institute is focused on developing specialized advanced manufacturing technology. Within each institute, manufacturers of all sizes partner with academia and government to share manufacturing technology and workforce challenges, and to build a robust R&D infrastructure. The Manufacturing USA network is operated by the interagency Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO), which is headquartered in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in the U.S. Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit http://www.manufacturingusa.com

 

© 2018, MassMEP, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Cybersecurity, manufacturing, mfgday, MFGUSA, NISTMEP

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The latest news and information about Massachusetts manufacturing, workforce development, sustainability, lean methodologies, business development, and more — from your business partner, MassMEP.

For more information about MassMEP, our partners, and our member services, email us or call 508-831-7020.

Recent Posts
  • 317 Manufacturing Fatalities in 2016 12/06/2018
  • Silverside Detectors MEP Heros Video 11/20/2018
  • Safety and Compliance is liking eating a bowl of alphabet soup! 11/07/2018
  • MassMEP Promotes Kathie Mahoney to Center Director 11/05/2018
  • Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy at MassMEP’s Talent Management Roundtable on August 30, 2018 11/02/2018
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Jan 24

DFARS Compliance: What You Need to Know About The New DoD Cyber Regulation/Cybersecurity

01/24/2019 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Western, MA (TBD)
Feb 07

Grant Info Session “Consortiums”

02/07/2019 @ 7:30 am - 10:30 am
Controls for Automation
25 Constitution Drive
Taunton MA

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