Manufacturers can now locate programs, incentives, services and support on the new New Jersey Manufacturing Network website to find qualified workers, train current employees, or learn what financial support is available to them.
The enactment of the “Manufacturing in Higher Education Act” – a top legislative priority of NJBIA and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) – requires various state entities from the public and private sectors to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and assist the manufacturing industry.
Led by the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), the New Jersey Manufacturing Network unites industry leaders and organizations in a collaborative effort to drive growth and innovation across the state by bringing together resources and building lasting partnerships.
This public-private partnership brings organizations and state agencies together to provide the best possible support for the manufacturing industry through training and education. Under the law, the New Jersey Business Action Center within the New Jersey Department of State is designated to assist manufacturers in navigating the government programs.
Partners include:
- New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP)
- New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)
- NJ Council of County Colleges (NJCCC)
- New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC)
- NJ Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools ((NJCCVTS)
- New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL)
- New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
- NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)
- NJ Small Business Association (NJSBA)
This new collaboration will serve as a business referral service where manufacturing businesses may be referred to other state, federal or private business resource organizations that provide specialized business development assistance, technology information, consulting management, and customized one-to-one counseling concerning business plans and technical assistance.
As a key partner, NJBAC will provide advocacy and project management services to manufacturers, assisting manufacturers with building renovations, hiring and training new employees, regulatory issues and permitting, and overall project management for facility upgrades and site selection.
“The manufacturing jobs of the 21st century demand a highly skilled workforce, one that will require aligning education and assistance with the needs of the employers. NJBAC is leading an initiative that brings together manufacturing employers, policymakers, educators, regulatory agencies, advocacy groups, and more to build a stronger manufacturing industry in New Jersey,” said NJBAC Executive Director Melanie Willoughby.
NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly touted the launch of the New Jersey Manufacturing Network as an important first step in bringing together all the key stakeholders in the manufacturing sector.
“We’re thrilled the NJBAC is moving forward to create the New Jersey Manufacturing Network. It reflects the kind of collaboration our industry has asked for,” Connolly said. “By bringing partners together, we’re making it easier for manufacturers to find the answers, resources, and support they need—all in one place. It’s about reducing barriers and building a more responsive, unified network. We encourage manufacturers to explore the site and share their feedback, so we can continue improving how we serve this vital industry.”
NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said the Manufacturing in Higher Education Act, which was signed into law in 2024, was a huge priority for NJBIA and NJMEP in their continuing Manufacturing Counts partnership, as well for NJBIA’s continued workforce development partnership with New Jersey’s community colleges, NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities.
“Manufacturers are key to our state economy and job creation,” Siekerka said. “The law helps meet the needs of manufacturers by aligning the critical players in the workforce development space including government, higher education and K-12 education.”
Visit njmanufacturingnetwork.org to learn more about each participating organization and connect with the resources that can help you strengthen and grow the manufacturing industry’s success in New Jersey.
