What Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) does

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP) is a non-profit manufacturing consulting and workforce development organization operating as the official NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center for Indiana and affiliated with Purdue University. It serves Indiana's network of approximately 8,000 manufacturers, engaging more than 500 companies per year through consulting, training, and technology adoption services, and has documented $8.8 billion in cumulative economic impact over 20+ years of operation. The organization is headquartered at 550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 140, Carmel, Indiana.

Purdue MEP's service portfolio spans three lines: (1) operational excellence consulting, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Black/Green/Green-to-Black belt certification, and Quality Management System implementation for ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and AS9100D; (2) workforce development through Skills for Success boot camps (manufacturing, quality technician, leadership, customer service) priced around $2,190 per participant, plus OSHA 10-Hour certification; and (3) technology and digital transformation services including the Digital Manufacturing Technology Center (DMTC) showcase facility at the Telamon Corporation campus in Carmel, AI/digital transformation consulting (generative AI, NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics, optimization), additive manufacturing, collaborative robotics, CMMC/NIST 800-171 cybersecurity, and the Indiana SRM supply chain platform built with Sustainment. Notable technical components include a custom Python-based automated production scheduling tool delivered to Dayton-Phoenix using Pandas and linear programming.

The business model is fee-for-service consulting supplemented by federal NIST MEP National Network base funding and grant-supported workforce programs such as the City of South Bend Pathways On Demand initiative. Distribution is direct via on-site consulting, regional industry advisors across Indiana (Northwest, Northern, Central East, Central West), the DMTC facility, public workshop catalog, and the TAP InDev program connecting clients with Purdue University faculty and graduate students. Senior Executive Director Ranae Stewart leads a team of approximately 32 FTEs serving a customer base of Indiana-based small and mid-sized manufacturers including Ridetech, Noble Industries, Elkhart Plastics, General Stamping, Hoosier Molded Products, JMS Engineered Plastics, PSI Molded Plastics, SPI Industries, Bamar Plastics, and Dayton-Phoenix.

Name

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Legal name

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Website

https://mep.purdue.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a non-profit, Purdue University-affiliated consulting and workforce development organization serving Indiana's network of approximately 8,000 manufacturers with operational excellence, quality management, Six Sigma training, AI/digital transformation, and Industry 4.0 technology adoption services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Manufacturing Consulting and Workforce Development Services

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Consulting, Advisory & Technology Transfer (AM Adoption) (IMAAAJAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Professional Training & Workforce Upskilling (AM) (IMAAAJAC)

Keywords

• Manufacturing consulting
• Workforce development
• Lean six sigma
• Quality management systems
• Digital transformation

Headquarters

HQ city

Carmel

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. NIST MEP National Network Funding: As an official representative of the MEP National Network and the NIST MEP Center in Indiana, Purdue MEP receives federal funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support Indiana manufacturers.
2. Consulting and Training Services: Fee-for-service consulting and training programs provided to manufacturers including workshops, on-site training, and professional services. Services are described as affordable solutions for manufacturing challenges.
3. Workshop and Training Fees: Public workshops and on-site employee training programs. Contact number (800) 877-5182 for scheduling. Skills for Success program priced at $2,190.00.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Purdue MEP is a non-profit manufacturing extension partnership that provides consulting, training, and workforce development services to Indiana manufacturers. It delivers Lean and Six Sigma process improvement, Quality Management System (QMS) implementation for ISO and industry standards, supply chain optimization, AI and digital transformation consulting, collaborative robotics and additive manufacturing support, and a suite of workforce development bootcamps and certification programs.

Product overview

Purdue MEP is a manufacturing extension partnership providing high-value solutions to Indiana manufacturers through a comprehensive portfolio of consulting services, workforce development programs, and technology adoption support. The organization operates the Digital Manufacturing Technology Center (DMTC) for Industry 4.0 demonstrations and offers AI and digital transformation consulting services alongside traditional manufacturing excellence programs. Core offerings include Six Sigma certifications (Green Belt, Black Belt), Quality Management System implementation for multiple ISO standards, Lean Manufacturing methodology training, and Supply Chain Impact Programs. Workforce development is delivered through Skills for Success boot camps for manufacturing, quality technician, and leadership roles, as well as customer service training. The organization also provides specialized services including Training Within Industry (TWI), Employee Onboarding, TAP InDev innovation support, Additive Manufacturing, Collaborative Robotics, Cybersecurity, ExporTech, and Supplier Scouting. The Indiana SRM Platform provides supply relationship management capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Six Sigma: Purdue University Six Sigma Black Belt training and certificate program offering Six Sigma techniques and DMAIC methodology
• Supply Chain Impact Program
• Digital Manufacturing Technology Center (DMTC)
• TAP InDev
• Digital Transformation and AI Technologies
• Manufacturing Dream Team
• Quality Management System (QMS)
• Skills for Success

Products and services

• Digital Transformation and AI Technologies AI integration and digital transformation consulting services including AI opportunity identification, organizational readiness assessment, strategic roadmap development, and implementation support covering machine learning, NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics, and generative AI for manufacturers.
• Digital Manufacturing Technology Center (DMTC) Technology showcase facility in Carmel, IN providing demonstrations, hands-on workshops, advanced training programs, and consulting expertise in Industry 4.0 technologies including collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, VR/AR, advanced sensors, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Six Sigma Training and Certifications Green Belt and Black Belt certification programs using DMAIC methodology for process optimization and continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.
• Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation QMS implementation, gap analysis, internal auditing, and training for ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, AS 9100D, IATF 16949, HACCP, and SQF standards. Subject matter experts are certified Lead Auditors through Exemplar Global and IRCA.
• Skills for Success - Manufacturing Ten-day manufacturing training bootcamp covering workplace skills, print reading, measurement, quality tools, problem solving, 5S, math, lean principles, and OSHA 10-Hour certification. Includes Purdue University Certificate of Learning. Tuition is $2,190.00 per participant.
• Skills for Success - Quality Technician Ten-day workshop series preparing participants for quality technician roles, covering quality tools, workplace skills, print reading, measurement, SPC, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and OSHA 10-Hour certification.
• Leadership Skills for Success Multi-session leadership courses for frontline leaders and managers covering emotional intelligence, coaching, communication, project management, ethics, HR, and strategic alignment.
• Customer Service Skills for Success Series for customer service and sales representatives covering communication, writing, confidence building, stress management, and conflict resolution.
• Supply Chain Impact Program Strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, inventory optimization, cost reduction, and supply chain risk management services including consulting and workshops for manufacturers.
• Lean Manufacturing Lean principles and methodology implementation including Lean Office, Kaizen facilitation, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement consulting for manufacturers.
• Training Within Industry (TWI) Standardized programs for job instruction, job relations, and job method training using a four-step process (Preparation, Presentation, Application, Testing).
• Collaborative Robotics Assistance Consulting and training for cobot implementation, integration with existing equipment, and end-of-arm tooling selection for manufacturers utilizing the DMTC facility.
• Additive Manufacturing 3D printing technology consulting and implementation support for manufacturing applications.
• Cybersecurity (CMMC) Cybersecurity services including CMMC assessment and preparation for defense contractors seeking CMMC Level 1 (self), Level 2 (self), and Level 2 (C3PAO) certification to NIST 800-171 Rev 2 controls under the CMMC Phase-In Plan 2025-2028.
• ExporTech Export assistance program helping manufacturers expand into international markets.
• Supplier Scouting Network Domestic supplier identification and scouting services for manufacturers seeking supply chain solutions.
• TAP InDev Innovation Development program connecting organizations with Purdue University faculty, graduate students, and subject matter experts for technical assistance and assessment solutions.
• Employee Onboarding Onboarding program development using the four C's framework: compliance, clarification, culture, and connection.
• Mfg Dream Team Program connecting manufacturing professionals with students through classroom visits and presentations to promote manufacturing careers and STEM/skilled trades pathways.
• Executive Peer Groups Peer networking and executive development groups for manufacturing leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• $8.8 billion in economic impact over 20+ years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• City of South BendcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership with the City of South Bend's Mayor's Pathways On Demand Workforce Development Program to train incumbent workers from multiple manufacturing companies in Lean principles and certifications.
• Manufacturing Resource Center (Pennsylvania)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Original creator of the Mfg Dream Team program in 2016, which has been expanded to several states through BlueForge Alliance grant funding.
• NIST MEP National NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPurdue MEP is an official representative of the MEP National Network and the NIST MEP Center in Indiana, providing access to federal resources, funding, and national best practices for manufacturing extension services.
• TelaboticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished the Digital Manufacturing Technology Center (DMTC) with Telabotics to serve as a showcase for manufacturing technology, providing companies access to demonstrations, training, and consulting expertise in advanced technology solutions.
• Purdue UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Purdue University system, leveraging academic resources, faculty expertise, graduate students, and research capabilities to support Indiana manufacturers.
• Telamon CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDMTC is housed at Telamon Corporation's facility at 1000 East 116th Street, Carmel, IN, providing the physical location for technology demonstrations and training.
• BlueForge AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrant funding source for the Manufacturing Dream Team program, which connects manufacturing professionals with students to promote STEM and skilled trades careers.
• South Bend Mayor's Pathways On Demand ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkforce development grant program that covered training costs for Lean Certificate and Practitioner training for employees of South Bend manufacturing companies.
• Indiana Department of Workforce DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerINTraining approved status for Skills for Success programs; WIOA funding available for eligible candidates.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC): IMEC is the NIST-affiliated MEP for Illinois, providing manufacturing consulting, training, and technology adoption services to Midwest manufacturers. Like Purdue MEP, IMEC operates a multi-service model including lean, Six Sigma, QMS, and workforce development under the same NIST MEP framework.
• California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC): CMTC is the California MEP providing consulting, training, and technology services to California manufacturers. It is one of the largest MEPs in the country and a direct peer in service portfolio (lean, Six Sigma, quality, workforce), with a larger geographic footprint and broader private-sector engagement experience than Purdue MEP.
• Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP): Ohio MEP is a NIST-affiliated Manufacturing Extension Partnership serving Ohio manufacturers with consulting, training, and workforce development services. It is the most structurally comparable peer to Purdue MEP, operating under the same NIST MEP model with state-level federal funding and a similar consulting/training service portfolio.
• FuzeHub (New York MEP): FuzeHub serves as the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership coordinating manufacturing innovation, commercialization, and workforce programs across the state. It mirrors Purdue MEP's role as state-level MEP coordinator with comparable NIST funding and consulting services for manufacturers.
• Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP): GaMEP is housed at Georgia Tech and serves as the NIST MEP for Georgia manufacturers, offering lean, Six Sigma, supply chain, and technology adoption services. It is highly comparable to Purdue MEP given the academic affiliation model (Georgia Tech parallels Purdue) and similar consulting/service portfolio.

Others

• Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI): LEI is a leading lean training and education organization offering Lean Certification, workshops, and lean enterprise transformation services. Its training portfolio overlaps directly with Purdue MEP's Lean Manufacturing and Lean Practitioner offerings, making it an adjacent training ecosystem competitor.
• NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP National Network): NIST MEP is the parent network that funds and coordinates the 51 MEP centers, including Purdue MEP. It is not a competitor but the institutional umbrella that defines Purdue MEP's federal mandate, funding, and service standards.
• Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM): ASCM (formerly APICS) provides supply chain and operations management certifications and training (CPIM, CSCP, CLTD). It overlaps with Purdue MEP's Supply Chain Impact Program and Indiana SRM Platform offerings and represents an adjacent certification/training competitor.
• Purdue Polytechnic Institute: Purdue Polytechnic is the academic unit within Purdue University focused on manufacturing, engineering technology, and Industry 4.0 research. It is not a competitor but a closely affiliated academic institution whose faculty, students, and research feed Purdue MEP's TAP InDev and AI/technology practice areas.
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): SME is a manufacturing professional society offering certifications, training, and publications (including lean and Six Sigma programs) that overlap with Purdue MEP's training portfolio. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct state-level consulting competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/purdue-manufacturing-extension-partnership-mep-

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)