Contacts: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661 Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
MILWAUKEE – Governor Jim Doyle today launched a new initiative to strengthen Wisconsin manufacturing. Governor Doyle made the announcement at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company manufacturing facility in Milwaukee.
In his State of the State Address, Governor Doyle pledged to fund an initiative to help Wisconsin’s small and medium-sized manufacturers improve their profitability and strengthen Wisconsin’s supply network. Governor Doyle’s Manufacturing Suppler Development Initiative will be funded through a $700,000 package supporting the growth of manufacturing in our state.
“Large Wisconsin manufacturers spend billions of dollars each year on components manufactured by suppliers from all over the state,” Governor Doyle said. “These manufacturers want improved processes and lower prices, and our Wisconsin suppliers need help to meet these needs and compete in the global marketplace. The Supplier Development Initiative will help suppliers become lean, improving their profitability, and expanding the level of purchasing from Wisconsin suppliers – keeping money, business, and jobs in the state.”
Helping suppliers become lean will improve their profitability, and help larger manufacturers keep more of their spending in Wisconsin. It will also help the large manufacturers by strengthening their supply chains and improving the overall performance. Large companies, small companies, workers, and the Wisconsin economy will all see the benefit.
“I’m proud to be working with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership to launch this initiative to keep Wisconsin suppliers lean and competitive,” Governor Doyle said. “This initiative is built on a successful pilot with Harley-Davidson, John Deere, and Oshkosh Truck, which resulted in an average reduction in order-to-delivery times of 53 percent for 16 participating Wisconsin manufacturers. I’m proud to be here today to take that pilot statewide.”
The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) has been nationally recognized for achieving domestic supply chain improvement.
“We’re happy that Governor Doyle has asked us to expand this initiative throughout the state and build on Wisconsin’s leadership in this area,” said Mike Klonsinski, WMEP’s Executive Director.
The Manufacturing Supplier Development Initiative will focus on assisting the Wisconsin suppliers to OEMs. The initiative is a partnership of the Department of Commerce, small suppliers, OEMs, the WMEP and the Northwest Manufacturing Outreach Center (NWMOC). Technical assistance will be provided through the WMEP and the NWMOC. This initiative is expected to assist at least five OEMs and 100 small and medium-sized manufacturers across Wisconsin.
