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News Release CENTER NEWS RELEASE / February 18, 2009 Manufacturing Study Launched in Idaho to Help U.S. Companies Survive Recession, Thrive During Recovery The TechHelp program, a statewide partnership based at Boise State University, is inviting Idaho manufacturing companies to participate in a national study to assess America’s progress in adopting manufacturing strategies necessary to win in the global economy. “Manufacturers in Idaho and across the country are searching for strategies to help them survive the current downturn and position themselves for growth when the economy begins to recover,” said Mike Wojcicki, TechHelp executive director. “The feedback from this survey will give Idaho manufacturers the competitive insight to identify their unique strategies, and it’s free.” The Next Generation Manufacturing Study is the first step in a long-term effort by Manufacturing Extension Partners, such as TechHelp, to help American manufacturers weather today’s recession and maintain manufacturing leadership in the next decade. Business leaders, manufacturers and industry experts say Next Generation Manufacturing represents a way forward for U.S. manufacturers. The free and confidental survey takes about 30 minutes to complete online or on paper and is available at www.NGMStudy.com. Participants will receive a customized report that benchmarks their performance against state and national manufacturers. Idaho participants can discuss survey results and create a competitiveness improvement plan with their local TechHelp manufacturing specialist by calling 1-877-426-3797 or e-mailing techhelp@boisestate.edu. Next Generation Manufacturing refers to a framework of six forward-looking strategies that are driving manufacturing growth and profitability in the 21st century. The study includes a 61-question survey that asks manufacturers to rank their progress on the following strategies: * Customer-focused innovation * Systemic continuous improvement * Advanced talent management * Global engagement * Extended enterprise management * Sustainable products and processes “What we see here in the U.S. and around the globe is that the adoption of NGM strategies aligns with better business performance,” said John Brandt, CEO of the Ohio-based Manufacturing Performance Institute, a global research firm that is conducting the study. The study results will provide a wealth of valuable data for manufacturers, business leaders and state and national policymakers. Manufacturers can see how they rank against world-class performance benchmarks and target improvements where needed. Policymakers can strengthen and improve programs and services supporting manufacturers knowing where the critical needs are. As Idaho’s manufacturing extension partner, TechHelp is a partnership of Idaho’s three state universities that provides technical and professional assistance to Idaho manufacturers, processors and inventors to strengthen their global competitiveness through continuous product and process innovation. TechHelp is also Idaho’s Economic Development Administration University Center, targeting economically distressed areas of the state. For more information, visit www.techhelp.org. -30- Contact: Sherry Squires, University Communications, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu.
Last reviewed on Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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