Upcoming Webinar: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges Webinar 

Join NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) on September 27 at 11:00 a.m. for the Navigating Supply Chain Challenges webinar where Rob Handfield will share knowledge about how manufacturers can navigate current supply chain challenges.

Handfield is the Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at North Carolina State University and director of the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative. He also serves as an adjunct professor with the Supply Chain Management Research Group at the Manchester Business School.

This webinar will cover:

• Why are there so many supply chain disruptions? 
• And when will they end?
• Tips for manufacturers to navigate the supply chain challenge.

Also, stay tuned for more information about our upcoming Workforce Challenges webinar. 

Register Today

Coolest Thing Made in NC

2022 Coolest Thing Made in NC contest nominations will open on August 8! In response to feedback, this year’s contest will recognize two winners: one for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees and one for businesses with 100+ employees. Voting for both categories will occur on the same website, with the top vote-getters moving to subsequent rounds of competition.
Vote and sign up for alerts »

Building A More Collaborative Advanced Textiles Ecosystem in Support of the DoD

Join the Defense Alliance of North Carolina(DANC) Science & Technology Committee and NC State Industry Expansion Solutions(IES) on Thursday, August 25 at Gaston College Kimbrell Campus in Belmont, NC. This will be the first of a series of events supporting the NC Defense Manufacturing Community Support Partnership (NC DMCSP).

• Learn about NC State’s Department of Defense (DoD) Advanced Textiles Program with Industry
• Become aware of statewide resources to support small to medium textile companies
• Meet with speakers from the NC State Wilson College of Textiles, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), Manufacturing Textile Innovation Network (MTIN), and other textile-related organizations
• Explore opportunities for technology growth and productive partnering
• Share in workforce recruitment strategies

Register Here

Success Story: Metal Manufacturer Shines After Receiving ISO Certification Training from NCMEP Partner

Success in manufacturing can be summed up with one word: quality. The quality of the people you employ, the quality of the customer service you provide and of course, the quality of the final product. Quality Control is essential in manufacturing because it ensures the final product meets the desired specification. Many customers have begun to require their suppliers to be ISO 9001 certified. One North Carolina manufacturer solicited the help of North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) partner NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) to help them obtain a long-sought-after ISO certification.
Read the full success story »

New Episode of Clocking In—Voices of NC Manufacturing

In the newest episode of Clocking In, NCMEP director Phil Mintz talks with Chris Rojas, the vice president of Fairystone Fabrics. Chris has been at Fairystone for over five years. He started as the plant manager and was later promoted to vice president. Chris is a part of the Wolfpack family and graduated from NC State with a Bachelor’s in textile management.

Mintz and Rojas discuss Chris Rojas’ background, the products Fairystone fabrics provide, how they are viewing supply chain issues and more.
Listen Here »

Coming Soon: MFGCON 2023

The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership is excited to announce the 8th annual MFGCON. We’re looking forward to bringing the most relevant and sought-after knowledge to North Carolina manufacturers. Stay tuned for the location and date of MFGCON 2023. 

IES Employee Spotlight: Alex Easley 

Alex Easley is the regional manager serving eastern North Carolina for NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES). He is responsible for Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Greene, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Tyrell, Washington and Wayne counties. Alex has served in both the public and private sectors. For more than six years he was a branch manager with Manpower, Inc. in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Learn more about Alex »