The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity (WCMP) leverages relationships, partnerships, and initiatives to provide services that benefit the state's manufacturers.On January 1st, 2016, the WCMP became the official NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center for Wisconsin. The WCMP will facilitate a seamless collaboration between the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) and the UW—Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) to fully align these two organizations' services, programs, and activities, in order to create and attract more opportunities for the state's manufacturers.The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a national network with thousands of specialists trained to help small-and medium-sized manufacturers increase innovation, profitability, and competitiveness. The MEP system employs a framework focused on five critical areas: technology acceleration, supplier development, sustainability, workforce, and continuous improvement. Experienced MEP specialists engage this framework to help small- and medium-size manufacturers develop new customers, expand into new markets, and create new products. The available services help manufacturers tackle both short- and long-term issues, including strategic planning, workforce development, business growth, and operational excellence.