Utah State University outdoor manufacturing and production services consists of two departments, the Utah Manufacturing Extension Service and Outdoor Product and Design and Development. The two organizations work together with Utah manufacturers and the outdoor industry to help companies with training and certification, improving profitability, increasing innovation and preserving our resources.
Our History
The Utah Manufacturing Extension Service (UMES) at Utah State University was founded in 1996. Our focus is to help Utah’s businesses succeed. USU provides a broad range of hands-on business, technical and manufacturing optimization services that is delivered by experienced, boots on the ground professionals. We have developed a comprehensive network of public and private partners to help Utah manufacturers build cultures to support and sustain continuous improvement.
The UMES stands out from others in the field because of our hands-on approach. We help manufacturing businesses by actually becoming an extension of their enterprises and are with them for every step of their journey to excellence.
UMES is committed to building strong communities through sustainable and innovative manufacturing. We are at the forefront of an economic transformation pushing our state forward. Services focus on improving the bottom line through operational excellence concepts like continuous improvement methodologies and lean systems. This contributes to the entire company through new product development, strategic planning, improved logistics, and expanded markets.
Our Mission
Help Utah's companies to improve their productivity and growth
Our Key Principles
- Do what is best for each individual client.
- Quickly identify and leverage improvement opportunities, shortening the “time-to-value” of projects, delivering the most bottom-line savings and/or top-line growth in the shortest time possible.
- Strategically coach clients, providing training and tools to work independently instead of becoming consultant dependent.
Our Values
- Do what is right with honesty and integrity.
- Successfully finish what we start by staying on schedule and exceeding expectations.
- Work together in an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Show respect and care from the board room to the shop floor.
How We Can Help You
Our Methodology
Contact
We are proactive in our outreach to manufacturers across the state.
Assess
We analyze the current condition utilizing a variety of assessment tools.
Solution
We define a customized action plan for the improvement areas.
Delivery
We get to work and provide performance driven service.
Support
We maintain engaged coaching and support.
Measure
We are focused on performance growth and job creation.
Our Services
Manufacturing Assessments and Benchmarks
We use a variety of formal assessment tools to evaluate a firm’s strengths and weaknesses, including financial analysis and performance benchmarking.
Manufacturing Consulting and Transformation
We are a proven leader in providing consulting and transformation services to assist each enterprise achieve improved performance and maximum results. We assist companies with achieving operational excellence and innovation and growth strategies.
- Continuous Improvement and Lean Systems
- Quality Management Systems
- Innovation and Growth Strategies
Rapid Prototyping
We translate concepts into 3D objects utilizing resources such as our sewing lab, 3D printers, laser cutters, lathes and CNC mill, and more.
Technology Training
We offer training courses and workshops on all the latest software packages and tools.
Continuing Education
We offer certifications and training around sustainability and the business of the outdoor industry.
Supply Chain Logistics
We assist companies to have highly visible and collaborative supply chains that are in sync with the organization’s strategy. These efforts help companies improve the total cost of ownership and on-time delivery.
Sustainability
We have designed Sustainability and Energy Efficiency (SEE) services to help companies improve processes and develop energy management practices through workshops, on-site training, awareness events, implementation, and consulting services.
Workforce Development and Training
We have created workforce development and training programs to address the manufacturing skills gap in the areas of manufacturing, quality, supply chain and leadership.
Concept Generation
We research and develop new product concepts utilizing tools whether sketches or digitally designed in the Adobe products, Solidworks, etc.
Factory Ready Designs
We translate concepts into factory tech packs and drawings ready for production and manufacture.
Project Examples
Utah MEP
Utah State University’s Utah Manufacturing Extension Service and the Outdoor Products Design and Development program have combined to create the Manufacturing and Outdoor Products support hub. The two programs also became founding members of the Utah-MEP. Utah-MEP is a vital economic development organization chartered specifically to help Utah manufacturers, industry, and rural Utah businesses. Utah-MEP's primary focus is to Help Utah’s Manufacturers Grow and Thrive. The Utah-MEP serves as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for Utah, providing services and outreach to all 29 counties. It focuses on improving the bottom line through concepts like process improvement and operational efficiencies, supply chain optimization, and quality systems and certifications. It also focuses on helping companies grow through new technologies, workforce development, strategic planning, and expanded markets.
Contact Us
Stephen Reed
Prof Practice Asst Professor | Manufacturing Extension Specialist