January 20, 2023

Manchin, Capito Announce NIST Funding to Boost West Virginia Manufacturing Industry

Charleston, WV – Today U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced funding awarded to West Virginia University (WVU) through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a public-private partnership under the U.S. Department of Commerce, to increase resources for students and businesses in West Virginia. This grant funds a team of top-tier manufacturing industry experts to educate future workers on best practices for efficiency, safety, and stability in order to boost the manufacturing industry in the Mountain State. As of last month, the program had over 200 workers in training while working on 50 active projects and 26 proposals pending approval.

“WVU continues to make our state proud through their important research projects and economic partnerships, and I am pleased NIST is investing more than $713K in their collaborative efforts to strengthen West Virginia’s manufacturing industries,” Senator Manchin said. “The funding announced today will support the continued operation of the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which works closely with small and medium-sized manufacturers across West Virginia by providing them technical advice, health and safety training and other critical services to help our small businesses continue to grow. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to support manufacturers and boost economic growth across the Mountain State.”

“These resources will help boost West Virginia’s manufacturing industry by supporting programs that educate the next generation—whether it be teaching them about the need for efficiency in the supply chain, low-cost production, and stability in a crisis. By continuing this program at WVU, we are setting up the future of West Virginia’s manufacturing economy for sustained success and growth,” Senator Capito said. 

“Our small team of experienced consultants will utilize this funding to provide customized, on-site training and consulting services throughout the state. Our services will focus on promoting healthy and safe manufacturing practices, improving operational efficiencies, establishing operational controls to standardize processes, and inspire new generations of leaders to grow the manufacturing economy for West Virginia.  Additionally, we will continue to work along-side West Virginia’s Department of Economic Development to facilitate regional roundtable discussions to address supply chain challenges and growth opportunities for entry into new markets,” Staci Miller, Director of WVU Industrial Extension, said.