This project is to support the administration's key manufacturing initiatives and address local concerns constraining wisconsin's small and medium-sized manufacturers (smms)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded the University of Wisconsin System a $7.673 million cooperative agreement on February 1, 2026, under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (CFDA 11.611) to advance advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques among Wisconsin small and medium-sized manufacturers.

The University of Wisconsin - Stout's Manufacturing Outreach Center will deliver technical assistance in Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO certifications; workforce upskilling to address chronic worker shortages; and roadmaps for adopting cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The work targets alignment with federal manufacturing priorities around energy dominance through fusion technology, national defense, safeguarding American health, and reshoring.

The cooperative agreement runs through January 31, 2031, with place of performance at Menomonie, Wisconsin. UW-Stout's Manufacturing Outreach Center brings a documented 30-year track record of serving more than 575 manufacturers annually, creating or retaining over 34,000 jobs and generating $8.9 billion in economic impact.

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Inc., a tax-exempt nonprofit based in Sussex, Wisconsin, receives a sub-award effective March 31, 2026, delivering assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers in Wisconsin to support manufacturing modernization strategies and technology adoption.

Expected outcomes

They include (1) a broad base of smms ready to engage with administration priorities around artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, energy dominance through fusion technology, national defense, safeguarding american health, and reshoring and reducing the trade deficit; (2) a more productive and resilient manufacturing base as an engaged workforce implements advanced technologies and techniques; and (3) a stronger manufacturing ecosystem as the center aligns and focuses its network on critical manufacturing issues. This will continue and advance our 30-year track record of creating or retaining over 34,000 jobs and generating $8.9 billion in economic impact, serving more than 575 manufacturers annually, and connecting manufacturers with the resources they need to thrive in the future. Beneficiaries: our primary beneficiaries will be wisconsin smms across all regions of the state. Our engagement with our network partners in state economic development, education, business accelerators, and the MEP national network (mepnn) will connect, support, and make wisconsin's smms more effective. Subrecipients: the wmep will serve as the center's sole subrecipient, delivering services to manufacturers and maintaining our key network connections in the southeastern portion of the state.