Who We Are

Welcome to the Industrial Extension Service, the arm of North Carolina State University that supports North Carolina business in the workplace – in the office, on the factory floor or in the hospital.

We can help your company stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in both engineering and business management. Ultimately, we aim to help you increase productivity, efficiency, quality, and, as a result, profits. We place your success first.

Our extensive products and services can be combined in a unique package to get your company the desired results as quickly as possible. Our toolbox includes lean enterprise and quality initiatives such as ISO management systems and Six Sigma, environmental, safety and health management. See what real companies with real issues have to say about us.

In an independent survey, our clients reported that our services have been worth more than $500 million to North Carolina. By the end of 2009, we generated $1 billion in wealth for the state in a campaign we called 1B4NC. In 2010 we celebrated manufacturing with the Manufacturing Makes It Real tour, a statewide bus tour with a tractor trailer full of donated "Made in NC" items. We are continuing the spirit of the tour in 2011 with the Manufacturing Makes It Real Network, giving manufacturers a voice, business connections, and access to the services provided by IES and NC State University.

The Industrial Extension Service, the first of its kind in the United States, was established in 1955 to help North Carolina industries grow and prosper. More than 50 years later, our mission is still the same. Find the IES specialist serving your community and get started. We look forward to working with you.

What Makes us Different?

IES specialists bring a wealth of knowledge to their clients. Most have 15 years – or more – of private industry experience. They have transformed failing plants or are nationally recognized quality experts. Their know-how is reinforced by University expertise.

That's why projects led by IES specialists often result in savings of $13 for every dollar spent, and the value of IES to North Carolina taxpayers exceeds $45 for every tax dollar spent.

Discover how we can provide Expert Solutions
View the executive summary from our 2007 Annual Report
View our Vision Statement and our Strategic Plan for the years 2006 through 2010
Find answers to questions you may have about IES by reading our Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please read our vision, mission and values.

IES receives most of its funding from three sources: receipts from fee-for-service projects paid by clients; state-appropriated funds; and federal funds as the North Carolina center of the http://mep.nist.govManufacturing Extension Partnership. Smaller accounts are funded through gifts and investment income, and it is these accounts that support IES participation in business organizations and initiatives.