MassMEP Awarded $2.93 Million in NIST MEP Cooperative Agreement to Support Massachusetts Manufacturers in FY 2026

MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, announced today that it has been awarded the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Cooperative Agreement for Massachusetts for Fiscal Year 2026, totaling $2.9 million. The award coincides with MassMEP’s 30th year of service supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of the national NIST MEP Network, MassMEP delivers high-impact consulting, training, and technical assistance designed to improve manufacturers’ competitiveness, profitability, and resilience. The FY 2026 cooperative agreement enables MassMEP to continue helping manufacturers strengthen their topline growth, bottom-line performance, and long-term business pipeline, while remaining and expanding in Massachusetts.

https://massmep.org/

Consistent with NIST MEP performance measures, MassMEP-supported manufacturers have reported significant economic impact in recent years, including increases in new and retained sales, measurable cost savings, and new capital investments. These engagements have also resulted in the creation and retention of thousands of manufacturing jobs across Massachusetts.

“This cooperative agreement reflects the strength of MassMEP’s results-driven approach and the confidence NIST places in our ability to deliver measurable impact for manufacturers,” said Kathie Mahoney, President of MassMEP. “For 30 years, we have worked directly with manufacturers to address their most pressing challenges, whether improving operational performance, achieving regulatory compliance, developing their workforce, or accessing funding and new markets.”

“I am thrilled to see MassMEP receive this $2.9 million NIST MEP cooperative agreement,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (10th Norfolk District), Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus. “MassMEP’s unwavering commitment to innovation, training, and strong community partnerships continues to strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem and support the long-term economic health of the Commonwealth.”

About MassMEP: MassMEP is a private, nonprofit organization and part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network.

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The national Program Office (NIST MEP) which provides the federal government funding for the MEP National Network™ is located in Gaithersburg, MD. The MEP National Network includes the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), MEP Centers across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as nearly 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 475 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

For more information please reach out to MassMEP here.

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy receives John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award

The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) presented State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) with the John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award in the DCU Club at Polar Park in Worcester on May 20th.  The award ceremony was part of MassMEP’s  ‘Manufacturing Your Future i4.0,’ an event for Massachusetts manufacturers to come together and take a deep dive through the components of Industry 4.0, along with a view of SMART Manufacturing, and the chance to learn about the importance of building a roadmap in I4.0 to remain competitive and see direct impacts to the bottom line. 

Representative Roy received the award in recognition of his dedication to and support of Massachusetts Manufacturing.  Currently the House Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy, he is also the House-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts.   

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy

 
“I was honored, humbled, and deeply touched to be the recipient of the Jack Healy Award from MassMEP,” said Representative Roy.  “Under the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano, Massachusetts has assembled an unparalleled support system and is fully committed to a thriving manufacturing sector. I have been delighted to play a small role in the efforts to help companies make it in Massachusetts and look forward to seeing more moving here.” 
 
 “No one deserves this award more than Representative Roy,” said Dennis Leonard, Chairman of the Board, MassMEP.  Representative Roy’s efforts have fostered innovation and created opportunities for economic growth in Massachusetts. He has been a steadfast supporter of the MassMEP, requesting funding for the program every year. We as a manufacturing community are in a better place because of him.”

L-R: Rep Roy, Mark Schmit of NIST and Tom Andrellos of MassMEP

In 2016, MassMEP created the John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award to recognize excellence within manufacturing companies and honor individual manufacturing leaders who are shaping the future of global manufacturing. This award is in honor of MassMEP's former President and leader, John "Jack" Healy. Jack was the leader of MassMEP from 1997-2016. During his tenure he changed the way manufacturing is perceived and was often referred to as the "Voice of Manufacturing." His role with MassMEP and his passion for the industry were the catalysts in shaping the direction of manufacturing in Massachusetts. 
  
Past recipients of the John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award include Speaker Robert DeLeo and Congressman Jim McGovern.