Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) assisted manufacturing companies in Oregon create or retain 1,052 jobs as the non-profit organization announced the cumulative impact of its work in the state of Oregon for 2012. Key results included helping nearly 40 manufacturing companies increase or retain more than $55 million in sales, save nearly $4.5 million in costs and increase investments in their plant, technology or training by more than $20 million.
OMEP provides consulting and support to manufacturing companies across all industries—assembly-type as well as process-type companies. While OMEP has had a long-term focus on helping companies launch and execute “lean” processes, the organization is increasingly focused on assisting small- and medium-sized manufacturing businesses with supply chain management, leadership development, new product development and research, and business transition planning issues.
“We are gratified to have seen such a healthy year for Oregon manufacturers,” said Chris Scherer, OMEP president. “We are finding value in focusing on strategies that help manufacturing companies be more productive and innovative—from a comprehensive view. Where earlier we were looked to as the ‘efficiency’ experts, more and more companies are relying on us as the ‘business’ experts, when we can take a comprehensive look at how we can up the game at all levels in a manufacturing company,” Scherer added.
About OMEP
OMEP is a not-for-profit team of business and manufacturing professionals – one of more than 60 Manufacturing Extension Partnership resource centers nationwide – that aims to make Oregon companies more competitive. OMEP provides Lean Enterprise training/implementation assistance and industry-driven best practices to a wide variety of industry sectors. A partner of choice for the economic development community, OMEP’s emphasis on strengthening and transforming companies creates a ripple effect of positive sustainable impact on the business, the workforce and the community. For more information about OMEP, please find us at omep.org.