{"683266":{"#nid":"683266","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech Celebrates 65 Years of Service","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, received recognition by Gov. Brian P. Kemp at the Georgia State Capitol for 65 years of service to the manufacturing industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe commendation acknowledged GaMEP for leveraging its world-renowned expertise and resources to advance manufacturing and economic prosperity across the state, supporting an industry that adds $82 billion to the economy and employs 425,000 residents, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis impact reflects decades of intentional growth and support for the industry. By 1960, more than 4,500 manufacturers had planted roots across Georgia \u2014 the result of strategic efforts by state leaders, with economic development assistance from Georgia Tech, to industrialize the economy. But growth brought new challenges. Manufacturers needed technical support to stay competitive. In response, the Georgia General Assembly voted to establish the Georgia Tech Industrial Extension Service (now known as the GaMEP). This created statewide field offices that provide a direct link between industry and innovation, delivering on-site technical expertise to help manufacturers thrive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur role is to support those manufacturers so together we can help grow the state\u2019s economy \u2014 and we\u2019ve been really successful at that,\u201d said Tim Israel, GaMEP director and EI2 associate vice president for corporate engagement\/firm-based programs. \u201cIn 2024, Georgia experienced a significant return on its investment with the GaMEP generating an impressive $294 for every state dollar allocated to manufacturing projects. This remarkable outcome highlights the critical importance of the state\u2019s strategic investments in strengthening Georgia\u2019s manufacturing sector.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the past decade alone, the GaMEP has provided assistance and education to more than 3,900 manufacturers across 144 counties, helping them create or retain 14,500 jobs, invest $1 billion in capital improvements, realize $3.5 billion in sales, and save nearly $450 million in costs. The GaMEP primarily serves small- to medium-sized manufacturers with 75% employing less than 250 workers. Its top-served industries include fabricated metal products, food, machinery, and chemical and transportation equipment manufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen Georgia manufacturers become more productive and profitable, they hire more people, pay better wages, and stabilize local economies, especially in rural and underserved areas of the state,\u201d said David Bridges, EI2 vice president. \u201cThis also creates pathways for career advancement for frontline workers who might not have had previous opportunities.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, GaMEP\u2019s reach spans 10 regions across the state, each led by a dedicated region manager who lives and works locally, offering manufacturers direct, knowledgeable connections to its expert team, valuable resources, and diverse partners.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe GaMEP has been a trusted collaborator and valued partner in strengthening manufacturing across Georgia,\u201d said Lloyd Avram, Georgia Association of Manufacturers CEO and president. \u201cTogether, we\u2019ve supported thousands of manufacturers statewide \u2014 helping them embrace innovation, improve operations, and remain competitive. We appreciate their extensive expertise and shared dedication to advancing the industry, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure Georgia remains one of the best states for manufacturing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGaMEP\u2019s impact and success by region, according to the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/georgia.org\/regions\u0022\u003EGeorgia Department of Economic Development regions\u003C\/a\u003E:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECoastal Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 269.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 283.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $23,171,292.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $1,645,061.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $13,965,000.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/roger-wood-foods\/\u0022\u003ERoger Wood Foods\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEast Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 169.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 3,899.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $127,754,280.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $14,771,582.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $975,465,000.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/nutritional-resources-success-story\/\u0022\u003ENutritional Resources\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEast Central Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 209.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 621.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $19,703,035.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $2,535,494.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $29,486,000.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess stories:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/creature-comforts\/\u0022\u003ECreature Comforts Brewing Company\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/poly-tech-industries\/\u0022\u003EPoly Tech Industries\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMetro Atlanta Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 1,601.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 2,928.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $235,763,480.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $112,083,262.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $844,679,890.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess stories:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/compass-technology-group\/\u0022\u003ECompass Technology Group\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/construction-specialties\/\u0022\u003EConstruction Specialties\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/highland-forge\/\u0022\u003EHighland Forge\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMiddle Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, and Wilkinson.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 170.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 972.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $121,814,846.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $8,810,950.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $300,213,400.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/unified-defense\/\u0022\u003EUnified Defense\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENortheast Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 280.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 1,029.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $88,443,395.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $63,999,228.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $259,453,900.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/freudenberg-nok-success-story\/\u0022\u003EFreudenberg Sealing Technologies\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENorthwest Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 387.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 1,090.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $ $92,948,931.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $141,460,651.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $326,366,408.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/trenton-pressing\/\u0022\u003ETrenton Pressing\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESouth Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilcox.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 176.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 969.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $219,300,221.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $6,596,254.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $39,632,275.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/healthy-pet-success-story\/\u0022\u003EHealthy Pet\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESoutheast Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, and Ware.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 166.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 281.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $20,684,800.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $3,098,700.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $77,724,500.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess stories:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/cjb-industries\/\u0022\u003ECJB Industries\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/south-georgia-pecan\/\u0022\u003ESouth Georgia Pecan\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESouthwest Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 130.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 130.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $12,266,730.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $1,682,790.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $5,002,020.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/sweet-grass-dairy\/\u0022\u003ESweet Grass Dairy\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWest Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, and Webster.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 111.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 713.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $37,948,131.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $3,197,600.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $69,588,348.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess story:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/oneda-corporation\/\u0022\u003EOneda Corporation\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWest Central Region\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECounties: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManufacturers served: 234.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJobs created\/retained: 1,658.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECapital improvement investment: $90,750,763.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECosts saved: $89,931,074.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESales realized: $615,900,002.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESuccess stories:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/complete-truck-bodies-success-story\/\u0022\u003EComplete Truck Bodies\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/success-story\/mountville-mills\/\u0022\u003EMountville Mills\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information about GaMEP\u2019s impact, including impact by county, visit\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/statewide-impact\/\u0022\u003Egamep.org\/statewide-impact.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, serves manufacturers by offering solution-based assistance that promotes top-line growth and reduces bottom-line cost. The GaMEP, a member of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nist.gov\/mep\u0022\u003EU.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership\u003C\/a\u003E, has advanced manufacturing and economic prosperity in Georgia since 1960. For more information, visit\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/\u0022\u003Egamep.org\u003C\/a\u003E and like\/follow on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GaMEPGT\/\u0022\u003EFacebook\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gamep\/\u0022\u003ELinkedIn\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/x.com\/GaMEPGT?lang=en\u0022\u003EX,\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCCdMKaskl8EJ3WOgV4Wq6FQ\u0022\u003EYouTube\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe commendation celebrates GaMEP\u2019s commitment to supporting manufacturers across the state through educational opportunities and technical assistance.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Gov. Brian Kemp recognizes GaMEP history and impact serving manufacturers in Georgia."}],"uid":"28137","created_gmt":"2025-07-24 19:29:37","changed_gmt":"2025-07-24 22:42:52","author":"P\u00e9ralte Paul","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-07-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-07-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677483":{"id":"677483","type":"image","title":"Gov. Kemp GaMEP Commendation","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership\u0026nbsp;at Georgia Tech\u0027s Enterprise Innovation Institute receives a commendation from Gov. Brian P. Kemp at the Georgia State Capitol for 65 years of service to the manufacturing industry. The commendation acknowledged GaMEP for leveraging its world-renowned expertise and resources to advance manufacturing and economic prosperity across the state, supporting an industry that adds $82 billion to the economy and employs 425,000 residents. (Photo: Georgia Governor\u0027s Office)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1753385588","gmt_created":"2025-07-24 19:33:08","changed":"1753396877","gmt_changed":"2025-07-24 22:41:17","alt":"Group photo of Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership staff receiving a commendation from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.","file":{"fid":"261385","name":"Gov.-Brian-P.-Kemp-and-GaMEP.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/24\/Gov.-Brian-P.-Kemp-and-GaMEP.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/24\/Gov.-Brian-P.-Kemp-and-GaMEP.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2573580,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/07\/24\/Gov.-Brian-P.-Kemp-and-GaMEP.jpg?itok=h1Qvc4jf"}}},"media_ids":["677483"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"194612","name":"Workforce Development"}],"keywords":[{"id":"3671","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"136201","name":"Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership"},{"id":"16331","name":"GaMEP"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EP\u00e9ralte Paul\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:peralte@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eperalte@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E404.316.1210\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["peralte@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}