The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) can help with many aspects of starting a manufacturing business. They help Montana manufacturers with quality systems, ISO 9000, production management, assistance with Lean manufacturing methods, product costing, supplies identification and many other engineering and business management issues. The first visit is free; then a proposal is made by the MMEC engineer to manage improvement projects. Typically short-term projects are of no cost; over eight hour projects require a negotiated fee. MMEC also provides training for manufacturers. This program is an extension outreach of Montana State University and the federal NIST/MEP network

The following are areas where MMEC can be of assistance:

• Market Analysis For New Innovations

• Help With Getting Patents

• Complete Manufacturing Costs Including Cost Of Goods

• Calculations

• Vendor/Supplier Identification

• Vendor/Supplier Cost Reduction

• Outsourcing vs. Manufacturing Analysis

• Machinery Identification

• Financial Justification for New Machinery

• Plant Layout for Maximum Throughput

• Plant Startup Project Management

• Plant Startup Costs

• Plant Startup Return On Investment Calculations (ROI)

• Break Even Sales Required For New Machinery Investment

• Manufacturing Methods

• Standard Operating Procedures

• Quality Control For Manufacturing Methods

• Staffing Requirements For Manufacturing

• Job Descriptions For Manufacturing Positions

• Screening For Manufacturing Management Positions

• Training For Manufacturing Managers

• Training For New Manufacturing Employees