WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that President Obama is expected to sign into law soon bipartisan legislation they cosponsored that will help support small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies across Maine.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act, which will be signed into law as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, will expand and improve the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program – the premier federal program that addresses the crucial needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers by offering resources to help them compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

“In Maine, manufacturing has always driven economic prosperity and helped create stable, good-paying jobs for people across our state,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “To continue that success in this globally-competitive economy will require forging new relationships, increasing collaboration among public and private sectors, and prioritizing innovation – all of which Maine MEP does day-in and day-out in support of manufacturers throughout the state. This legislation will enhance Maine MEP’s ability to provide critical resources to companies that will create jobs and spur economic growth.”

Built on a nationwide network of centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP program is a partnership between the federal government and a variety of private sector entities that serve as trusted business advisors and technical experts to thousands of small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act was introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

###