BATON ROUGE - The Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEP of LA) announced an enhanced integration and branding initiative with Louisiana’s Community and Technical College System (LCTCS). LCTCS began hosting MEP of LA in 2016 and today has developed an expanded integration bringing comprehensive, proven solutions to Louisiana manufacturers on a local level. 

“We are proud to showcase that we offer individualized, boots-on-the-ground support to enhance the productivity and technological performance of all Louisiana manufacturers,” said Dayna Blanchard, LCTCS MEP of LA Executive Director. “Our integration with LCTCS allows us to transfer technology and expertise from the public sector to private industry in every corner of our state.” 

Through the years, MEP of Louisiana has developed a wide range of services and initiatives to enable manufacturers to identify opportunities that will accelerate and strengthen growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Now, more than half of the community colleges serve as a local-MEP center. With the strength that comes from challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic and multiple natural disasters, we are completing our first full year of the new and innovative integration. Local project managers provide free client assessments and recommendations that utilize this wide range of LCTCS MEP of LA services to generate results. 

One such client success story is Alta Max, a successful, specialty packaging and tamper evident security seals company based in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Following a Competitiveness Review Assessment, the company implemented MEP of Louisiana recommendations to improve business development strategies, including strategic consulting for internal production capacity. 

“Alta Max is a great example of the impact MEP of Louisiana can have; with result metrics showing $130,000 in increased/retained sales, $30,000 in cost savings, and new investments totaling $18,300,” said LCTCS MEP of LA Operations Director, Baxter Saucier. “It’s important to note our flexibility, too, as our assessments reveal the unique needs of each manufacturer with recommendations customized to their needs and priorities. Whatever that manufacturer needs to be productive and succeed, we are now better positioned with our LCTCS partnership to helping them achieve.” 

Today’s announcement includes the unveiling of a new logo and brand identity for MEP of LA, which incorporates elements of the LCTCS brand. The logo rebrand symbolizes this new and successful working relationship in support of the manufacturing industry across our state. 

“We are very excited to unveil our new logo, as it reflects the strengths, values and vision of both organizations,” said Blanchard. “Growing a vigorous manufacturing sector is essential to Louisiana's economic well-being and the prosperity of future generations. Our LCTCS partnership better positions us to provide the resources manufacturers need.” 

Manufacturers who are interested in MEP of Louisiana services should contact 337-394-2763 to be put in touch with a local college region MEP representative.