On Wednesday May 24th, MTEC hosted a Supply Chain Partners event at their facility in Highland, New York. Suppliers from across industries attended offering services such as 3D printing, printed circuit board manufacturing, engineering consulting, injection molding, as well as funding opportunities.
The event created an opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers to make connections and build relationships locally. The benefits of local sourcing in general create a positive impact in the communities in which we live, work, and raise our families.
By doing business with local suppliers, manufacturers are able to create stronger relationships due to the nature of their close proximity. Being nearby allows manufacturers to have greater control over their supply chain. A tighter supply chain leads to greater efficiency, which in turn leads to saving time and money.
Mr. Oliver Engel, President of Mettrix Technology Corporation, was one of the resources in attendance. Mettrix is a printed 
circuit board assembly house. They have a team of skilled engineers and technicians that offer a variety of assembly and design services.
Mr. Engel said he thought the event was very useful, and that it gave him the opportunity to get his foot in the door with potential customers.
Other resources in attendance included Ms. Teresa Stockton, Outreach Specialist from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) and Dr. Daniel Freedman, Director of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) and Dean of the SUNY New Paltz Department of Engineering.
Ms. Stockton let manufacturers in on her secret; it is easier than many businesses think to become qualified for TAACs Federal grant program. The cost for TAAC assistance is shared with the US department of Commerce, which can underwrite up to 75% of manufacturers’ costs. Stockton left guests saying, “I wish I knew about this years ago!”
HVAMC has a state of the art collection of 3D printing equipment. Dr. Freedman invited businesses and individuals in the region to partner with HVAMC to push the envelope with what they can do with technology. Freedman said, “you can produce real materials with these printers that are functional parts, not just prototypes”.
Mr. Edward Noll, Jr., Buyer for JBT Corporation which manufactures food processing machinery, was one of the manufacturers in attendance. Noll signed up with the intent of looking for new suppliers, and said he found exactly what he was looking for.
Our goal was to create a venue where resources, suppliers, and manufacturers in the Hudson Valley could come together and learn how they might benefit from one another. By creating more business between local companies here in the Hudson Valley, we also help to strengthen and sustain our local economy.