Answers to Frequently Asked Questions from Manufacturers
How can Maine MEP help my company?
No matter what your company does or what you’re facing, we can help you. If you are struggling with a problem and could use some advice, or if you just want to talk to us about how we can help you to take your business to the next level—call us! We have helped companies pass health and safety audits, decrease costs and grow margins, increase sales, implement Lean business practices, train employees, do strategic planning, develop quality systems and more. We pride ourselves on getting to know each and every client well, and being able to offer individualized solutions based on your unique situation.
Is Maine MEP free for manufacturers?
Maine MEP provides services at a rate that is affordable for small businesses. We offer no-cost assessments to help you identify areas of growth potential for your company, and can often help you find funding for planned projects. Contact us to discuss our pricing and our services.
Does Maine MEP provide grants to manufacturers?
As a manufacturers resource and service organization, we do not routinely provide grants to businesses. The funding that we receive from the government allows us to provide our services at rates that are affordable even for very small, budget-conscious start-ups. We encourage you to reach out to us, because bringing us in is probably a lot more feasible than you think.
What is considered “manufacturing”?
Do I qualify for your services?
Manufacturing is defined as “making things from raw materials by hand or by machinery.” Any company that takes a good and transforms it is considered a manufacturer. This includes:
- Any processed food such as donuts, chocolate, coffee, tofu, snack items, filleted fish or seafood (but usually not whole fruits or vegetables)
- Health and cleaning products
- Crafted items such as jewelry, musical instruments, furniture and doors
- Biomedical products
- Welded products
- Screen-printed and sewn items, textiles, fabrics and outdoor and athletic gear
- Pre-fabricated homes and vehicles
If you aren’t sure if your business qualifies, please contact us and we’ll figure it out together!
I see you using terms like Lean manufacturing,
Toyota Kata, Kaizen and 5S.
What do these mean?
These are all terms related to a business management philosophy of “continuous improvement”: making your company less wasteful and more efficient each and every day. The ideas behind these terms come to us from the practices put in place by the Toyota company. For more information on these skills and strategies, go to our manufacturers Resource Library page or just call us! We’d be glad to tell you more.