■ Supply Chain
Continued From Page 10 for advanced manufacturing , green energy research and development , cybersecurity and workforce development .
Kennedy urged New Jersey ’ s congressional delegation to support the law . He also worked with Sen . Robert Menendez ( D-N . J .) on specific wording and testified before Congress in support of the measure .
New Jersey will be among the states benefiting directly from the $ 11 billion set aside to establish Technology Hubs over the next five years . The legislation directs the Department of Commerce to create 20 “ regional technology hubs ” across the country to focus on technology development , job creation and expanding U . S . innovation capacity . It also initiates a “ Recompete Pilot Program ” to support persistently distressed communities with economic development activities .
Funding was also tripled for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership ( MEPs ) throughout the country . “ This is incredibly significant but also daunting ,” Kennedy said , adding “ NJMEP has worked hard to sustain growth in our programs but the funding is based upon the expansion of our project feeds driven by our clients .”
The NJMEP and its sister organizations throughout the nations receive funding from the federal government . But to draw the federal funds , MEPs must be hired by manufacturers to provide services . Kennedy said it gives his organization “ skin in the game ” but the new funding will exert more pressure on the MEPs .
Another segment of the bill also aims to combat supply chain disruption by using the MEPs to create a database that will assist businesses with supplier scouting and minimize disruptions . Kennedy said the supply chain tool was defined and development by Menendez , his staff , NJMEP and the American Small Business Coalition . The NJMEP already has a database , according to Kennedy . But he said “ it does not go deep enough and needs to provide added information on machine capabilities , staffing highlights , certifications , and projects .” He is looking forward to the next generation database — one that will community among state and MEP centers .
Workforce development also receives a boost in the legislation . The National Institute of Standards and Technology Authorization ( NIST ) is in line to receive a total of $ 9 billion and Kennedy said “ New Jersey must take home our share .” He is pushing for a New Jersey Manufacturing Institute . Kennedy maintains the groundwork has already been done through the efforts of the county college consortium and programs funded by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development . With input from key players in the state ’ s higher education system , like Rutgers University and
New Jersey Institute of Technology , plus assists from business and trade organization , Kennedy believes an institute can be established to mold workers that will be sought after in manufacturing .
The manufacturing advocate is eager to see the CHIPS Act fully funded . He maintained every other industrialize country invests in its manufacturing sector . If the United State ’ s rebuff manufacturing “ we ’ ll be selling out our future and our children ’ s future ,” he argued .
In New Jersey , Gov . Murphy ’ s latest budget includes $ 40 million for manufacturing . The state Economic Development Authority would oversee the funding , which Kennedy described as “ unprecedented in my working career .”
While he is encouraged by the federal legislation , he said the industry must not rest until it is fully funded and then be prepared to work on all the initiatives .
Exciting children about modern manufacturing processes will insure New Jersey manufacturers have a strong work force into the future .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / vgajic
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