URI Economic Impact Report - Autumn 2020

Polaris Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Polaris MEP provides business improvement programs to Rhode Island’s existing manufacturing industry. It is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) 50-state network of MEP programs. With its home in the URI Research Foundation, Polaris MEP provides an extraordinary return on investment for the state, which in FY19 awarded this program $350,000 in matching funds. For every dollar of this state funding, Polaris MEP has returned $172.29 in manufacturing capital. The partnership provides manufacturers with advice about lean manufacturing, facility layout, cybersecurity, quality management systems and technology acceleration. Among the numerous success stories is Kennedy Incorporated, a North Kingstown manufacturer of jewelry, medallions, and insignia that was founded by a World War II veteran of the Normandy Invasion. Polaris MEP clients include the Department of Defense and luxury brands such as BMW, Audi and Grey Goose Vodka. The 50-year-old company’s growth had stalled due to inconsistent demand and manufacturing bottlenecks, forcing it to slash staff. It sought advice on how to revitalize its operations. Polaris MEP recommended steps to eliminate waste, reposition inventory racks and to reduce floor activity that didn’t add value. As a result of receiving these consulting services, Kennedy was able to rehire staff and to increase its production volume by more than 400 percent.

URI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HELPING RHODE ISLAND MANUFACTURERS SUCCEED

“We know the manufacturing employers and employees better than anybody in the state, because we’re deployed out there, we know what they’re good at, we know what they need, we know their struggles,” Polaris MEP Director Christian Cowan said. “There are about 1600 manufacturers in the state, and Polaris works with roughly a third of them.”

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24 The University of Rhode Island