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Annual Report 2019-20

Executive Summary

 

NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is seen as a key contributor to the state’s economic development inventory of business solutions. We leverage state and federal resources to provide professional programs in support of business growth primarily throughout the state and nationally, where appropriate.

Our primary objectives for 2019–2020 were to enhance the recognition of industrial extension through better outreach practices and to develop extension personnel in ways that ensure effective business communication.

In the spring of 2020, however,  the national challenges for manufacturing related to the novel coronavirus required a shift in our strategies in order to respond directly to the immediate needs of helping companies address the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). IES played a key role as part of a Governor’s Task Force for Repurposing Manufacturing (TFERM) in order to create new capacity in critical healthcare items.

Innovation and strategic partnerships remain critical in attaining the IES mission and our role as an applied technology unit of the NC State College of Engineering. Over the past year, we have added capabilities and expertise in additive manufacturing through infrastructure, training and partnerships. In addition, cybersecurity remains a top priority as 3D printing and additive manufacturing, along with increasing network access and interaction, become more commonplace throughout the Department of Defense (DoD) and other sectors. 

We continue to administer federal grant awards, focusing on identifying, assessing, and providing solutions to manufacturers and defense contractors that serve to improve profitability and long-term growth. We have also expanded state partners in ways that expand federal program reach and capabilities through the North Carolina Manufacturing Extensionship Partnership.

Active federal awards included:

  • NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
  • NC Department of Transportation Research Project: “Integrating Supply Chain with Transportation Infrastructure Data for Enhanced Planning Capabilities
  • NIST Competitive Awards Program (CAP) 
  • DoD Office of Economic Adjustment
  • NCMEP Emergency Assistance Program (Cares Act Funding)

IES is committed to being a recognized leader in continuous improvement services, professional development and independent project evaluation. We have learned that market leadership requires constantly rethinking our engagement methods and program solutions. We continue to monitor and improve with a focus on four primary goals in a renewed emphasis of the IES enterprise model and strategic plan.

 

  • Employee Development and Engagement

  • Systems and Processes

  • Financial Systems

  • Clients and Stakeholders