through guest lectures, career fairs, technical school partnerships, and handson initiatives like Manufacturing Day.
WVUIE also partners with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to organize industry tours for WVU students, providing firsthand exposure to innovative manufacturers. These tours highlight cutting-edge technology and career opportunities, helping students envision a future in West Virginia’ s manufacturing sector.
One of WVUIE’ s most impactful student initiatives is the annual Student Design Challenge, co-hosted with Blenko Glass. In 2024, more than 150 students submitted designs, with winner Scarlett Ward’ s“ To the Stars” suncatcher brought to life and sold commercially. The challenge offers hands-on experience in product design, development, and business processes.
“ Manufacturing isn’ t just about production, it’ s about innovation, problem-solving, and leadership. Engaging students early helps them see diverse career opportunities, from engineering and quality control to finance, marketing, and business management,” says Tracy Straub, strategic marketing manager for WVUIE.“ We are committed to connecting future talent with real-world experiences, ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled professionals.”
Connecting Manufacturers to Manufacturers
Through funding from the Supply Chain Optimization Intelligence Network, WVUIE has taken major steps in mapping West Virginia’ s manufacturing capabilities, helping companies find new customers, expand into new product lines and enter new markets and supply chains.
In 2024, WVUIE facilitated 31 supplier scouting projects, identifying 17 new business opportunities and securing four confirmed new partnerships. These supply chain connections help West Virginia manufacturers integrate into national markets and contribute to onshoring efforts, ensuring a stronger domestic supply chain.
“ A high-quality product manufactured in West Virginia is a high-quality product that is American-made, and we could not be more honored to play a small part in that ecosystem,” says David Carrick, associate director, WVUIE.
Advancing West Virginia’ s Manufacturing Future
WVUIE is dedicated to helping manufacturers stay competitive, improve operations and prepare for emerging challenges. In 2024, WVUIE’ s small eightperson team:
• Delivered 2,318 hours of consulting, training and project work
• Completed 133 engagements across 40 counties
• Provided training to nearly 3,000 employees statewide
• Traveled 107,179 miles to deliver on-site manufacturing solutions
WVUIE’ s practice managers are industry experts who bring decades of experience and maintain critical certifications to ensure manufacturers receive cuttingedge solutions. As an active member of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, WVUIE helps manufacturers adopt best practices and navigate industry advancements.
“ While West Virginia’ s manufacturing base may be smaller compared to other states, our capacity to contribute to the domestic supply chain remains strong,” says Staci Miller, center director for WVUIE and board member of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence. Every project we undertake has a real impact, and we continuously develop new services to help manufacturers meet emerging challenges.”
By leveraging strategic partnerships, investing in workforce development and driving innovation, WVUIE continues to support manufacturers in strengthening their businesses and securing a more resilient future for West Virginia’ s economy.
Learn more about how WVUIE supports West Virginia manufacturers at wvmep. com staci. miller @ mail. wvu. edu | wvmep. com