December 2, 2004

TechHelp Grant Targets Idaho Food Processors

A new $3.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will provide valuable training to regional food processing companies, said Gary Thompson, executive director of TechHelp, headquartered at Boise State University. The Idaho Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) teamed with MEPs in Oregon, Nevada and Washington to secure the grant. Administered by the Oregon MEP, the grant provides TechHelp $718,177 to train Idaho workers in Lean Manufacturing at 12 companies statewide. The project includes a strong English as a Second Language (ESL) component to meet the needs of workers with limited English skills. Thompson believes the grant will have a powerful impact for Idaho companies and workers in an industry that has faced significant challenges but where employment is projected to rise 0.2 percent next year and about 1 percent in both 2006 and 2007. “Lean manufacturing training directly addresses new challenges facing Idaho food processing companies such as water shortages, higher energy prices and increased international competition,” said Thompson. “The food processors will gain efficiencies that will increase their economic competitiveness, and employees will gain valuable lean manufacturing skills with an ESL component.” Participating MEPs will provide Lean training using the “Introduction to Lean Manufacturing for Food Processors” program designed specifically for the industry by TechHelp. “TechHelp is leading the way in adapting Lean manufacturing training to the food processing industry,” said Jeff Kronenberg, TechHelp's food processing specialist. “Offering Idaho food processors the opportunity to become more efficient and competitive through Lean training is crucial given the importance of the food processing industry to Idaho's economy.” Program initiatives include: Initial lean assessment of company processes and operations to determine training needs Identification and training of a bilingual “Lean Champion” at each company who will provide leadership, sustainability and ongoing support for Hispanic workers Lean ESL training for workers with limited English language skills and cultural awareness training for English speakers Lean training for workers using TechHelp's “Introduction to Lean Manufacturing for Food Processors” workshop Value stream mapping to determine where process and operational improvements can be made Additional customized training based on the initial assessment and value stream mapping that will address workplace issues and processes specific to each company TechHelp's award is part of the Department of Labor's new national Advanced Manufacturing Initiative that targets $24.2 million to address workforce challenges in this growing field. The Advanced Manufacturing grants are part of the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic effort to prepare workers with the skills they need to take advantage of new job opportunities in high growth sectors of the American economy. TechHelp specialists provide technical and professional assistance, training and information to Idaho manufacturers and food processors to strengthen their global competitiveness through product and process improvements. TechHelp is a partnership of Idaho's three state universities and an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). It is also Idaho's Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, targeting economically distressed areas of Idaho.   Gary Thompson, Executive Director 208-426-3689 or gthomps@boisestate.edu  Jeff Kronenberg, Food Processing Specialist 208-364-4937 or jkron@uidaho.edu  Bill Mullane, Marketing/Public Relations Manager 208-426-2266 or williammullane@boisestate.edu  Media Contact: Sherry Squires, 208-426-1562, ssquires@boisestate.edu