Press Release: NY MEP Available to Help Local Manufacturers with Regional, Statewide Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24th, 2020

Media Contact
John Mackowiak
jmackowiak@martingroupmarketing.com
(518) 618-1175

The Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center remains open to support manufacturers during COVID-19 outbreak

HIGHLAND, N.Y., March 24th, 2020 – As the spread of the novel coronavirus continues to disrupt workplaces statewide, the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) network remains available to help manufacturers navigate the challenges they face.

“We’re always here as a guide for manufacturers—but it’s especially true now as we confront unprecedented challenges during this public health crisis,” said MTEC Executive Director, Tom Phillips. “We can help local manufacturers navigate our statewide network of resources, find alternative supply chains, identify opportunities to help the state produce essential supplies, or address other needs. We’re here to help.”

The NY MEP is a state and federally funded program that is administered by a coalition of 10 regional NY MEP centers and one statewide center, FuzeHub. Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) oversees the NY MEP program.

In the Hudson Valley, MTEC serves as the regional NY MEP center. It helps small to mid-sized manufacturing companies solve challenges and implement solutions to increase competitiveness, accelerate growth and create and retain jobs. MTEC and the entire NY MEP network are prepared to respond to manufacturers’ questions and concerns.


The Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center/NY MEP has compiled a list of helpful resources for manufacturers.

Available manufacturing resources include:

  • Manufacturers can contact MTEC by emailing info@hvtdc.org or by calling (845) 391-8214 ext 3005.
  • Empire State Development is regularly updating its website – esd.ny.gov – with essential information. It has also created a contact form to field businesses’ questions.
  • Due to emerging shortages, the state has called on manufacturers to assist in the production of needed supplies, such as PPE equipment and ventilators. Interested businesses should contact covid19supplies@exec.ny.gov. Regional NY MEP centers can provide manufacturers with guidance in retooling or reconfiguring their factories.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has published guidance and resources for small businesses, including information on applying for disaster assistance loans.
  • Struggling manufacturers facing difficult decisions about layoffs should first consider the Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program. An alternative to layoffs, it keeps workers on the job with reduced hours and provides affected employees with partial unemployment benefits.
  • To increase expertise on relevant topics, manufacturing professionals can access FuzeHub’s recent webinars at its website.


MTEC assists manufacturers in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester Counties.

About the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) is a network of 11 organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers in every corner of the state to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. Supported through a combination of federal and state funding, the NY MEP is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and overseen by Empire State Development’s Division of Science Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). In 2018, the NY MEP created or retained 5,351 manufacturing jobs and generated $819.3 million in company cost savings, new investments and increased or retained sales.For more information on NY MEP, visit www.newyorkmep.org.