Gene Fornaro, Manager of Manufacturing Network

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919-515-5422

Gene Fornaro, PE, manages the newly created Manufacturing Makes It Real Network to promote manufacturing in North Carolina.

Gene leads efforts to create this membership model that will increase the image of manufacturing, while providing the state's manufacturers with a network to exchange ideas and make business connections. Gene also facilitates the Promoting Business Excellence business assessment and promotes exporting for NC businesses.

Over a 25 year career with IES, Gene has filled many roles from direct client management, to delivery of technical programs, to managing marketing and business development.

Gene also led the NC State Technology Incubator, home to approximately 30 start-up companies residing on NC State Centennial Campus. Gene led initial efforts of IES's e-learning production capabilities, and IEShop, the on-line site for e-marketing and purchasing IES programs and instructional materials. Gene maintains close relationships with North Carolina providers of export assistance programs and coordinated statewide delivery of multiple ExporTech programs.

Gene began working at IES in 1985 as a senior extension specialist, and helped industries apply computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering technology to design and production. In 1995 he initiated the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership and became the first manager of partner offices located throughout the state. Gene instructed lean manufacturing workshops and facilitated kaizen events in diverse industries such as metalworking, injection molding, custom home furnishings, and electronic equipment packaging.

Before joining IES, Gene had 10 years of industry experience in advanced composite materials evaluation, product design, and stress analysis.

Gene has a B.S. in computer science (1973) and an M.S. in engineering mechanics (1975) from Penn State University.

Gene is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of NC, and a member of the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension (AOFEE). He was the 2006 Vice President and the 2007 President of the North Carolina Business Incubation Association, again serving as interim president in 2009. Gene is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and an alumnus of Leadership North Carolina.