Published in the Deseret News on December 6, 2016
The University of Utah, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced Tuesday the establishment of the new Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center on campus.
Founded by two U. engineering professors, the center is designed to deliver services to small- and medium-size manufacturing companies by providing expertise in technology, worker education and how to develop relationships with potential investors.
The local center is part of a national network and collaborative effort to help smaller manufacturers grow their businesses.
“We will not only focus on operational excellence,” said Bart Raeymaekers, co-founder of the center and associate professor of engineering at the U. “For manufacturers to be successful, you really ought to be focusing on innovation and advanced manufacturing technologies.”
The center, in partnership with other entities across the state, helps local businesses use data to identify products and markets that are growing; implement advanced manufacturing equipment and technology; develop and educate a workforce to use new technologies; connect with investors and secure government grants to support growth; and learn how to make operations more efficient to maximize profits, Raeymaekers said.