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The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) received $2 million in federal funding toward strengthening supply chains in the defense and green energy sectors.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded the grant under the Green Energy and Defense Supply Chain Capacity Program.

The funding will help NJMEP develop a methodology to address supply chain and seize opportunities in the two sectors. It will also position Manufacturing Extension Program Centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to better coordinate across the Northeast.

As part of the Manufacturing Day focus section in the Sept. 23 issue of NJBIZ, we spotlight NJMEP and its recent developments. This award continues the organization’s wave of momentum.

“The Green Energy and Defense Supply Chain Capacity Program is a crucial initiative that not only strengthens our supply chains but also bolsters our national defense and economic stability. By addressing supply chain vulnerabilities in defense manufacturing and green energy, we are ensuring that our nation is better equipped to meet future challenges,” said NJMEP Chief Executive Officer Peter Connolly. “This initiative will generate job growth, supporting communities across New Jersey and the nation, while expanding opportunities for manufacturers.”

A coordinated approach

NJMEP Chief Strategy Officer Torsten Schimanski said this initiative sets the standard for achieving supply chain resilience through proactive and collaborative efforts.

“This program represents a strategic leap forward in how we approach supply chain optimization in the defense and green energy sectors,” said Schimanski. “By focusing on research, outreach, and supplier engagement, we are creating pathways for new entrants while bolstering existing suppliers. The cross-state collaboration between MEP Centers ensures a coordinated approach to closing supply chain gaps and maximizing the impact of our collective efforts.”

The federal funding was applauded by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District. A strong advocate of the state’s manufacturing sector, Sherrill has partnered with NJMEP on a number of initiatives.

“For generations, New Jersey has been at the forefront of our manufacturing and innovation economy – and I am focused on ensuring that businesses can thrive in our state, and that every New Jerseyan can play a role in our cutting-edge economy,” said Sherrill. “That’s why I am so excited that our federal tax dollars are coming back to the Garden State to power NJMEP’s plan to lead a multi-state network of manufacturing companies that will strengthen our defense supply chains, invest in green energy infrastructure, and bolster North Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal.”

“Strengthening the DoD supply chain ensures that we remain competitive on a global scale, positioning our nation for long-term success and security,” Connolly added.

“I am grateful to NJMEP for their ongoing partnership in our shared mission to ensure New Jersey leads the supply chain research and development that will drive our country into the future,” said Sherrill.