An Introduction
The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) is a private, non-profit group that serves as a proven resource to South Carolina businesses, providing them with a range of innovative strategies and solutions. An affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SCMEP operates under the US Department of Commerce to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness.
At SCMEP, we use a strategic, hands-on, partnering approach to help South Carolina companies improve their competitiveness, performance, and profitability in today’s increasingly demanding global economy.
When working with SCMEP, you gain access to resources that give you the competitive edge!
Our Partners
Fast Facts
SCMEP (South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership) is a private, non-profit group that serves as a proven resource to South Carolina businesses, providing them with a range of innovative strategies and solutions.
South Carolina Senator “Fritz” Hollings was a strong supporter of technology and US industrial competitiveness. The Senator introduced legislation that led to the establishment of the Manufacturing Technology Centers (MTC) Program through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The Program started in 1989 with regional centers in three states – South Carolina, Ohio, and New York. The mission of these regional centers was to support the transfer of manufacturing technology to improve the productivity and technological capabilities of America’s small manufacturers.
The number of centers grew rapidly, soon providing services to all 50 states and Puerto Rico. In 1998, the Program was re-named the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Today, the MEP Program is a diverse network of 51 manufacturing extension centers. Each center works directly with local companies to provide services customized for their needs.
“Fritz” Hollings maintained his support for the MEP Program through his retirement in 2004, when it was re-designated the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Helping South Carolina Companies Grow
- Do what is best for each individual client.
- Quickly identify and leverage improvement opportunities, shortening the “time-to-value” of projects, delivering the most bottom-line savings and/or top-line growth in the shortest time possible.
- Strategically coach clients, providing them the training and tools to work independently instead of becoming consultant dependent.
- Do what is right (with honesty and integrity)
- Successfully finish what we start (on schedule and exceed expectations)
- Work together in an entrepreneurial spirit (in partnership as a team)
- Show respect and care (from the board room to the shop floor)
- Analyze – complete a no cost competitiveness review
- Plan – define a customized action plan for your improvement areas
- Implement – get to work
- Review – measure and verify the results