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News Release
CENTER NEWS / October 30, 2007
TechHelp Clients Report $65.6 Million Impact
Boise, ID – TechHelp, Idaho’s university-based affiliate of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (NIST MEP), is a proven federal/state/private partnership for
economic improvement. In fiscal year 2007, Idaho manufacturers, processors
and inventors reported $65.6 million of positive economic impact in the
following areas as a result of projects completed with TechHelp:
• $10.6 million in bottom line impact through increased and retained sales
and cost savings
• The creation or retention of 724 jobs that led to a $41.6 million impact
• $13.3 million investment in plant modernization, equipment and people
The FY 2007 economic impact is based on 90 surveys completed by TechHelp-assisted
companies and compiled by an independent national research firm. Companies
are asked to report sales impact, cost savings, investments in plant
modernization and job impacts that they attribute to TechHelp assistance.
TechHelp impact is generated by client companies such as Ballard Family
Dairy & Cheese of Gooding and UGOBE, based in Eagle, Idaho. Ballard is
producing an award winning line of artisan cheeses that increased sales by
nearly $40K. The company invested $14K in new production equipment to meet
increased customer demand. TechHelp helped Ballard realize cost savings of
$10K through process improvements. UGOBE generated $18M in advance purchase
orders for its new robotic dinosaur toy, Pleo, developed with assistance of
the TechHelp New Product Development Team at Boise State University. Sales
of the interactive dinosaur are forecast to sky rocket during the holiday
season.
“Manufacturing is a $7 billion industry in Idaho employing 65,000 workers,”
said new TechHelp Executive Director, Mike Wojcicki. “That’s 15 percent of
our economy and one of every ten jobs in the state. Moreover, those are good
jobs paying 40 percent more than the state average. Idaho’s manufacturers
are a powerful driver of the state’s economy and we want to keep it that
way,” said Wojcicki.
The impact data is compiled by market research firm Synovate for the
National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Manufacturing
Extension Partnership (MEP). TechHelp is an affiliate of NIST MEP, a network
of 59 centers across the country that provide assistance to small and
mid-size manufacturers.
TechHelp manufacturing specialists provide training, information and
guidance that helps Idaho manufacturers, processors and inventors compete
through improved operations, quality initiatives and new product
development. From offices in Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Post Falls,
TechHelp’s university-based specialists are able to deliver local assistance
that produces global competitiveness.
The survey results demonstrate that TechHelp delivers measurable returns to
its clients and investors. TechHelp clients are modernizing, investing in
their plants and people, increasing sales, saving money and becoming more
productive and competitive.
About TechHelp: TechHelp specialists provide technical and
professional assistance, training and information to Idaho manufacturers,
processors and inventors to strengthen their global competitiveness through
continuous product and process innovation. TechHelp is a partnership of
Idaho's three state universities and an affiliate of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership. It is also
Idaho's Economic Development Administration University Center, targeting
economically distressed areas of Idaho.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Bill Mullane, Marketing/Public Relations Manager, TechHelp
208-426-2266 or
williammullane@boisestate.edu
Mike Wojcicki, Executive Director, TechHelp
608-698-9150 or
mikewojcicki@charter.net
The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State
University
1910 University Drive - Boise Idaho 83725-1030
Located in Capitol Village, 2225 W. University Drive
email
communications@boisestate.edu
Last reviewed on
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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