announcement
WMEP Secures Continued Federal MEP Funding to Support Wisconsin Manufacturers
The alliance of WMEP and UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center will continue delivering statewide support for small and mid-sized manufacturers
MADISON, Wis. (March 24, 2026) — Wisconsin manufacturers will continue to receive statewide support through the federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program following approval of a $19 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The federal funding—$3.8 million annually for five years—was awarded to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, which will serve as the coordinating entity for Wisconsin’s MEP program, with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) serving as a subrecipient and key partner. State funding through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) remains in place, ensuring continued support for manufacturers. Together, UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) and WMEP will continue providing hands-on support to Wisconsin’s small- and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce capabilities, and adopt advanced technologies.
“WMEP has helped Wisconsin manufacturers strengthen their businesses for 30 years,” said Chris Baichoo, CEO and Executive Director of WMEP. “This funding ensures manufacturers continue to have access to experienced advisors who help solve their most pressing challenges.”
The funding ensures continuity of services following the planned dissolution of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity (WCMP), which previously served as Wisconsin’s primary MEP recipient, with WMEP and MOC as subrecipients.
Through the alliance, WMEP and MOC will continue to provide support in areas such as:
- Operational excellence and lean manufacturing
- Leadership and workforce development
- Business transformation and strategy
- Adoption of advanced technologies, including AI and automation
Manufacturing remains a critical pillar of Wisconsin’s economy, contributing $71.6 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and employing roughly 15 percent of the workforce, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Wisconsin is home to more than 9,000 manufacturers, making it one of the most manufacturing-intensive states in the nation. Together, WMEP and MOC have delivered significant results for Wisconsin manufacturers, including helping create or retain more than 34,000 jobs and generating $8.9 billion in economic impact.