Scott Mackenzie hosts James Soto on the Industrial Talk Podcast to discuss the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Soto highlights the MEP's role in supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers through resources like Lean Six Sigma and addressing skilled labor gaps. He emphasizes the MEP's importance in reshoring and nearshoring efforts and its collaboration with universities and advanced manufacturing institutes. Soto notes funding challenges and the need for continued support to maintain the MEP's impact. He advocates for manufacturers to engage with the MEP for efficiency, funding, and innovation, stressing the network's irreplaceable value.

Action Items

• [ ] Explore the MEP national network and find the center closest to your manufacturing business to understand the resources and services they offer.
• [ ] Advocate for continued funding and support of the MEP program by contacting your local representatives.
• [ ] Reach out to James Soto on LinkedIn to learn more about the MEP program and how to get involved.

Outline

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• Scott thanks listeners for their support and highlights the bravery and innovation of industrial professionals.
• Scott introduces James Soto, a returning guest, and mentions their previous collaborations.
• Scott emphasizes the importance of amplifying one's message and being aggressive in communication.

James Soto's Background and Passion for Manufacturing

• Scott MacKenzie praises James Soto's contributions to the manufacturing industry and his active presence on LinkedIn.
• James Soto expresses his love for manufacturing and acknowledges the excitement and uncertainty in the industry.
• Scott and James discuss the fluid nature of the manufacturing industry and the importance of reshoring and nearshoring.
• James highlights the role of people in manufacturing and their potential to change the world for the better.

Introduction to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

• James Soto provides an overview of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and its centers across the country.
• He explains the MEP's affiliation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and its focus on advanced manufacturing.
• James shares his involvement with the MEP in launching Manufacturing Day and its efforts to attract the next generation of manufacturing workers.
• He emphasizes the MEP's role in meeting with manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized ones, to help them grow and create jobs.

Challenges and Threats to the MEP

• James discusses the funding challenges and threats to the MEP, including the uncertainty around procurement and economic impact.
• He mentions the efforts to reverse defunding and the importance of telling the MEP's story to encourage representatives to fight for funding.
• Scott MacKenzie simplifies the premise for manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of the MEP as a resource for introducing new technologies and ensuring a resilient manufacturing business.
• James explains the MEP's prioritization process based on the distinct nature of different manufacturing environments and the need to