The goal of the MEP is to provide smaller firms, who are unable to realize their full potential because of a lack of access to technological resources, an upper hand in this environment. MEP services include helping businesses assess their technology and business needs, developing specific improvements to increase productivity, and providing guidance with manufacturing processes, worker training, personnel, marketing, financing, and quality issues.
Some centers also offer demonstrations of new technologies.
MEP staff work individually with manufacturers, as well as with groups of manufacturers who share common needs. Each center's assistance programs vary according to the needs of the region's manufacturing base, but each is connected electronically to a National network, allowing access to a nationwide pool of knowledge, services and technology. In 1994, agents from the 28 then active MEP centers provided services or made visits to more than 15,000 companies. The centers offered training and educational services to employees and managers representing an additional 5,000 firms. Or contact your local center directly using the directory found on the MEP web site .