FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Contact: Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
P.O. Box 12, Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
CONNEX™ Vermont Launching Soon to Help Grow Local Manufacturing Industry
Randolph Center, VT – The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) will launch a new program called CONNEX™ Vermont on August 22, 2023 which is designed to strengthen the local and domestic manufacturing supply chain.
CONNEX™ Vermont is a free, online manufacturer database and connectivity platform for Vermont manufacturers to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities and manage their supply chains. The goal of the platform is to increase manufacturing growth among Vermont manufacturers along with helping Vermont suppliers better connect with large U.S. manufacturers who need their services.
“VMEC is delighted to help bring another practical and useful system for encouraging and enabling commerce between Vermont manufacturers and suppliers as well as between Vermont and U.S. manufacturers and suppliers,” states Patrick Boyle, VMEC Center Director and CEO. “Those that join the platform will be able to make themselves visible in the Green Mountain state and in the U.S. as well as see others in the state and in the U.S. that they can do business with. This platform will make it much easier to source and supply locally and nationally.”
To help manufacturers develop more reliable supply chains and find alternate suppliers, the CONNEX™ Vermont platform will help identify potential suppliers within the state based on their capabilities, not just current production. Results can then be filtered using hundreds of unique criteria such as equipment, processes, materials and certifications to meet a manufacturer’s specific needs.
In addition, disruptions to existing supply chains have resulted in shortages of materials and inputs to manufacturing processes, which are hampering productivity and profitability of Vermont manufacturers. CONNEX™ Vermont will offer manufacturers the ability to post RFIs and RFQs for such items in the platform’s Business to Business Exchange Center to which qualified suppliers may directly respond to the posts with their capabilities and availability. These platform features will help Vermont manufacturers quickly find the materials and inputs they need to meet their productivity and profitability objectives, while improving supply chain robustness for downstream manufacturers as well.
The CONNEX Marketplace™ technology was developed by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. It’s now being used by manufacturers and suppliers across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities. Vermont is one of several states to roll out the CONNEX Marketplace™ platform, joining Missouri, Kansas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Wyoming and several others. In each state, the platform is managed by the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to provide a coordinated approach to outreach and direction for users; VMEC is Vermont’s MEP.
Free registration for Vermont manufacturers and suppliers will begin August 22 when the platform officially launches. Also, thanks to VMEC’s Supply Chain grant, the Green Mountain State’s manufacturers will receive a free year of full national access by registering no later than November 20, 2023 via a promotional code that will be posted on the CONNEX™ Vermont site.
To learn more about CONNEX™ Vermont, send a message to [email protected] or be sure to visit www.vmec.org on August 22 and look for the Connex tab on our home page.
About VMEC: Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “to strengthen and empower Vermont manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC provides proven systems and solutions focused on strategies, processes, products, technologies and people.
About CONNEX Marketplace by i5 Services: Founded in 2014, CONNEX Marketplace™ is an online manufacturing platform that connects all U.S. manufacturers and suppliers into a single, accurate, searchable supply-chain solution. Manufacturers and suppliers can quickly post and respond to manufacturing needs, illuminate supply chain risk, search for qualified suppliers and discover new business opportunities. The platform is being installed in states throughout the country in partnership with state MEP centers and other partners.
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