FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Contact: Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
124 Admin Drive, Suite 126, Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
VMEC News Release – VMEC Granted Financial Assistance
Through Federal Partner
Randolph Center, VT – The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is pleased to announce it has been awarded $812,300 under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. This national program is administered and overseen directly by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
As the hosting agency for VMEC, the Vermont State Colleges System will administer the funds under the renewal agreement. Awards made under the MEP program are designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers increase the adoption of advanced manufacturing technology including AI, robotics, automation, and additive manufacturing. The grant will go into effect October 1, 2026.
This summer, VMEC along with other MEP centers around the country, registered, prepared, and submitted applications for NIST’s Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Selected applicants must secure non federal matching funds of at least 50% (or cost-share) and will enter into a cooperative agreement with NIST. The MEP Network includes nearly 1,400 trusted manufacturing advisers and experts at more than 450 MEP service locations, with oversight provided by the MEP program at the federal level. The VMEC team is made up of nine full-time employees, covering operations, business advisement and administration duties for Vermont manufacturers.
Awardees will sign a cooperative agreement for an initial performance period of up to five years. This award provides funds for the first year of the project and future year funding will be based on the availability of funding, successful annual performance reviews, and the continued alignment of the project to MEP, NIST and Department of Commerce priorities. The agreements call for the development of metrics for technology adoption that will be shared across the network, as well as active engagement with flagship manufacturers in priority sectors identified by each center.
“As the only entity solely focused on small and medium-sized manufacturers in Vermont, we are pleased to have been awarded this generous and important grant through our federal partner,” states VMEC’s Center Director & CEO, Patrick Boyle. “NIST and the MEP program have funded and supported us in a public-private initiative throughout our 31 years of service so we may assist small and medium-sized businesses in Vermont with their highest growth potential. Their advocacy of our mission is crucial for our continued success.”
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.
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