Manufacturing Extension Partnership

HTR is part of the national MEP network of manufacturing advisors sponsored, in part, by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and locally by New York State. This non-profit network is dedicated to providing expert consulting assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers – the kind of resources normally affordable only by their larger national and international competitors.

Through HTR, Finger Lakes manufacturers have access to a “one stop” source of independent advice as well as the services and funding required to translate that advice into profitable reality.

HTR clients include manufacturers who:

• have been unable to locate the proper resources or technologies they need
• want expert, impartial advice to help evaluate alternate solutions
• need help solving a specific problem, such as determining the cause of product defects, modifying plant layout to improve work flow, or establishing employee training
• want assistance in reversing negative business situations such as sales decreases, loss of market share, or cost increases
• want to implement new technologies or processes that will help establish them as market leaders
• seek to improve their ongoing business operations for peak performance

For all of these companies, HTR provides the resources that enable manufacturers to achieve their individual, long-term goals.

HTR Services

With access to a vast array of services through Center personnel, local experts and national resources, HTR Project Managers are able to recommend solutions tailored specifically to client needs. These needs can range from a single employee training program to a business advisor relationship that may extend over a period of years and involve multiple projects to meet the developing needs of a growing business.

Typical services include:

• Business Assessments
• Strategic Planning
• Executive Coaching
• Innovation & New Product Development
• Technology Infusion
• Financing
• Financial Information and Control
• Market Assessments
• Marketing Planning
• Sales Organization
• Lean Manufacturing
• Lean Office
• Quality (ISO 90xx and others)
• Waste Reduction
• Energy Reduction
• Human Resources Management
• Information Technology

HTR Consulting Staff

HTR Project Managers are experienced manufacturing and business specialists who have years of practical experience gained from working in production operations and/or managing small and medium-sized companies. They know the Finger Lakes Region and its local resources intimately. In addition, they can access specialized resources nationally through the MEP network.

HTR’s Consulting Process

HTR’s work with each client is based solely on the client’s needs, but generally follows a six step process:

1.  Assess client operations and needs
2.  Recommend and agree on needed projects
3.  Prioritize needed projects
4.  Engage subject matter experts who may be: HTR Project Managers, experienced
     and proven local consultants, resources from other MEP centers, or national
     experts
5.  Identify funding sources and assist in obtaining grants, etc.
6.  Manage multiple projects, resources and funds

Funding Opportunities

HTR staff members continually monitor local, state and federal sources of project funding and are able to help clients with applications for appropriate assistance. Almost all of these programs require that companies be willing to invest in themselves by sharing costs in the form of time, money or employee resources.

Typical sources of assistance include:

• Empire State Development
• NYS Department of Labor
• NYSERDA
• City and County Development Organizations
• SBIR and STTR Grants
• Other special-purpose programs

Our Clients:

We have worked with scores of manufacturers within the nine-county Rochester / Finger Lakes Region, including these industries:

• Tooling and Machining
• Plastics and molding
• Agriculture
• Food and consumer packaged goods
• Furniture and office equipment
• Optics and Electronics
• And much more!

Let us help you!

Learn more about the services we offer — and success stories of our clients — at mepinfo@htr.org. Even better, give us a call at 585-327-7921 to speak with a Project Manager.