Manufacturing accounts for 11% of U.S. GDP and 68% of U.S. exports of goods. Advances in manufacturing technology and innovation have enabled the U.S. economy to grow, increase productivity, develop new products, and create entirely new industries.

Manufacturing - especially advanced manufacturing - is also one of the highest-paying sectors of the economy and has an enormous multiplier effect on other sectors. For every dollar spent in manufacturing, an additional $2.74 is added to the economy. 

By Paul H. Jennings, UT CIS Executive Director

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) has been awarded a $1 million grant to implement the Tennessee Manufacturing Resiliency Initiative, a statewide effort to enhance the resiliency of manufacturers to mitigate and recover from pandemics, natural disasters, supplier problems, and other disruptions.

On Wednesday, April 14th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in collaboration with regional, state and local partners will host a no cost Region IV Critical Manufacturing (CM) Sector Security Roundtable webinar.

This Security Roundtable will bring together Region IV manufacturing stakeholders in a format that facilitates information sharing, networking, and outreach, while addressing Region IV risks related to cybersecurity and natural hazards; the effects of local disasters; and supply chain physical security. 

Tuesday, April 20, 2021  |  8:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDT 

Join us on April 20th for the no-cost, virtual West TN Manufacturers Conference. Connecting manufacturers with government contracting opportunities. Attend this event to understand how to take advantage of these opportunities, and hear from subject matter experts! This event is appropriate for companies new to government contracting and experienced contractors.

Event highlights:

If you’re like most U.S. small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), you rely heavily on information technology to conduct business. Day-to-day business operations like banking, payroll and purchasing are all conducted over the Internet. Machines on the shop floor are connected to networks and employees use mobile devices to access company information. Have you ever considered how vulnerable your company might be?

Originally posted by on March 7, 2021 by Teknovation.Biz

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $1 million grant to the University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) to implement a business continuity planning program.

Hamilton County Herald Front Page - Friday, March 5, 2021

Bulletproof tables offered as shield against school shooters
By David Laprad (originally posted HERE)

A table its maker says can save lives during an active shooting will be manufactured in Chattanooga.

Do you work in an SMM (fewer than 500 employees)? Or do you work with such companies as a consultant? Consider donating 10-15 minutes of your time! You could win a $500 gift card!

NIST and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are conducting a survey to learn how manufacturers are adapting to the current circumstances and how this may or may not be connected to broader weather-related stressors your business may face. The team is seeking the perspective of all industries and asking MEP Centers to help get small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to share their perspective.