Manufacturing Productivity Program Continues in 2011

27 Local Companies Received >$480,000 in National Grid Approved Funding from 2009 – 2010

Good News! National Grid, in collaboration with Insyte Consulting, will continue to offer the Manufacturing Productivity Program grant in 2011. National Grid will provide partial reimbursement for companies who avail themselves of Insyte Consulting's services in selected project areas. To qualify you must be a manufacturing company (NAICS codes 31-33) and be within National Grid's service area with a current account.

“This program has become one of National Grid's most popular economic development initiatives. Through our partnership with Insyte Consulting and the other Regional Technology Development Centers, we are happy to be helping so many manufacturing companies remain and grow in upstate New York." Arthur Hamlin, Director of Economic Development, National Grid

National Grid will reimburse 40%, up to $15,000, of the company's project cost paid to Insyte Consulting  for productivity projects like Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma (includes green or black belt training).  For projects that focus on top line growth, including Marketing or Eureka Winning Ways, the maximum reimbursement is also $15,000 but at a 50% reimbursement rate.  The real incentive is for companies that elect to do both types of projects. These are reimbursed at 60% with a maximum reimbursement of $40,000.

Twenty-seven local companies have applied and been approved for over $480,000 in grant dollars with an average project reimbursement of 57% since the program was introduced in 2009. This program has enabled many of these companies to implement growth strategies and improve competitiveness during difficult economic times. The process improvement and website enhancement project at Whiting Door Manufacturing Corporation that is featured in this newsletter is a great example of a project that received funding from National Grid.

How difficult is it to access this funding? Actually, it's quite easy. Insyte Consulting helps coordinate the grant submission. Provide some basic information to your Insyte Business Development Manager and he will quickly prepare and submit the application to National Grid for approval. Approval typically takes about six weeks. To date this process has resulted in all applications submitted from Western New York gaining approval by National Grid.

Since the available funds are limited and projects must be completed by the end of 2011, early application submittal is encouraged. If this looks like an opportunity that could benefit your business, please call Insyte Consulting today at 716.636.3626 to discuss the program in greater detail.