Sherrill Applauds $2 Million Federal Grant Awarded to New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program
LIVINGSTON, NJ – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) applauded the $2 million in federal grant funding being awarded to New Jersey’s Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) to strengthen New Jersey’s defense supply chains, expand green energy innovation, bolster manufacturing, and bring good-paying jobs to the Garden State.
“For generations, New Jersey has been at the forefront of our manufacturing and innovation economy – and I am focused on ensuring that businesses can thrive in our state, and that every New Jerseyan can play a role in our cutting-edge economy. That’s why I am so excited that our federal tax dollars are coming back to the Garden State to power NJMEP’s plan to lead a multi-state network of manufacturing companies that will strengthen our defense supply chains, invest in green energy infrastructure, and bolster North Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal. I am grateful to NJMEP for their ongoing partnership in our shared mission to ensure New Jersey leads the supply chain research and development that will drive our country into the future,” said Rep. Sherrill.
“The Green Energy and Defense Supply Chain Capacity Program is a crucial initiative that not only strengthens our supply chains but also bolsters our national defense and economic stability. By addressing supply chain vulnerabilities in Defense Manufacturing and Green Energy, we are ensuring that our nation is better equipped to meet future challenges. This initiative will generate job growth, supporting communities across New Jersey and the nation, while expanding opportunities for manufacturers. Strengthening the DoD supply chain ensures that we remain competitive on a global scale, positioning our nation for long-term success and security,” saidPeter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP.
“This program represents a strategic leap forward in how we approach supply chain optimization in the Defense and Green Energy sectors. By focusing on research, outreach, and supplier engagement, we are creating pathways for new entrants while bolstering existing suppliers. The cross-state collaboration between MEP Centers ensures a coordinated approach to closing supply chain gaps and maximizing the impact of our collective efforts. This initiative sets the standard for how supply chain resilience can be achieved through proactive and collaborative efforts,” said Torsten Schimanski, Chief Strategy Officer of NJMEP.
The grant, awarded to NJMEP by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, will help NJMEP develop a methodology to address supply chain and seize opportunities in the Defense Manufacturing and Green Energy sectors while positioning Manufacturing Extension Program Centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to better coordinate across the Northeast Region.
Sherrill and NJMEP have long partnered to bolster New Jersey’s manufacturing sector, expand apprenticeship and job-training opportunities for service members transitioning to civilian life – including through the New Jersey Defense Manufacturing Community Consortium – and ensure that businesses can find the skilled workforce they need in the Garden State.
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