For more information contact:
Kristy Grignon, MassMEP, kristyg@massmep.org
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com

CONNEX Massachusetts Launch Event at AccuRounds Focuses on Reshoring and Supply Chain Resilience

EDITORS: The following images are available for download: Image 1| Image 2

June 12, 2023 – Auburn, MA Massachusetts now has an easier way to connect manufacturers and suppliers, allowing them to quickly find partners and build stronger supply chains. On May 22, 2023, AccuRounds hosted the highly anticipated kick-off event for CONNEX Massachusetts, a groundbreaking initiative that helps manufacturers build their networks, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains.

The launch event brought together leaders from across the manufacturing industry to discuss the critical topics of reshoring and supply chain resilience. The collaborative efforts of the Massachusetts manufacturing industry were showcased as Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), local manufacturers, and MERT 2.0 (Manufacturing Emergency Response Team) discussed implementation of CONNEX Massachusetts. This new marketplace is a searchable scouting database that helps Massachusetts manufacturers quickly find the materials and resources they need to meet productivity and profitability objectives, while improving supply chain robustness for downstream manufacturers as well.

Pictured: (Left to right) Mike Tamasi, CEO and Owner, AccuRounds; Kathie Mahoney, President, MassMEP; Representative Jeffrey Roy, Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus; Representative Bill Galvin
Pictured: (Left to right) Mike Tamasi, CEO and Owner, AccuRounds; Kathie Mahoney, President, MassMEP; Representative Jeffrey Roy, Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus; Representative Bill Galvin.

An impressive lineup of distinguished speakers shared their insights and perspectives. In the opening address, Michael Tamasi, CEO and Owner of AccuRounds, emphasized the significance of a resilient and robust supply chain in today’s dynamic manufacturing landscape as companies work to minimize disruptions.

Kathie Mahoney, President of MassMEP, joined Tamasi on stage and passionately stated, “There is a critical need for reshoring to address a wide range of concerns that surfaced during the pandemic, from improving product quality to streamlining logistics. CONNEX Massachusetts plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among manufacturers and building a resilient supply chain to enhance the competitiveness of the Massachusetts manufacturing sector.”

State Representatives Jeffrey Roy, Co-chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, and Bill Galvin expressed their support for the CONNEX Massachusetts initiative and its role in driving economic growth and job creation in the state. They underscored the commitment of the Massachusetts government to supporting local manufacturers and promoting a thriving manufacturing ecosystem.

The implementation of CONNEX Massachusetts was made possible by the efforts of the MERT 2.0 team, whose dedication and expertise in developing the marketplace facilitated the seamless integration of this innovative platform across the state. CONNEX Massachusetts will serve as a central hub for connecting local suppliers, enabling manufacturers to source materials, components, and services locally, thereby reducing dependence on overseas suppliers and enhancing supply chain resilience.

Pictured: (Left to right) MERT 2.0 team members: Kristy Grignon, Senior Director of Business Development, MassMEP; Farhad Vazehgoo, Director, Advanced Technology Programs & Workforce Development, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative; Laura Teicher, Executive Director, FORGE; Arlene Paquette, Associate Vice Chancellor, Industry Partnerships and Economic Development, UMASS Lowell; Mike Tamasi, CEO and Owner, AccuRounds.
Pictured: (Left to right) MERT 2.0 team members: Kristy Grignon, Senior Director of Business Development, MassMEP; Farhad Vazehgoo, Director, Advanced Technology Programs & Workforce Development, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative; Laura Teicher, Executive Director, FORGE; Arlene Paquette, Associate Vice Chancellor, Industry Partnerships and Economic Development, UMASS Lowell; Mike Tamasi, CEO and Owner, AccuRounds.

The launch event also provided an opportunity for local manufacturers to showcase their support for CONNEX Massachusetts and their commitment to driving the reshoring movement. Companies such as North Easton Machine, Accutech, Randolph Engineering, and Leuko Labs demonstrated their dedication to strengthening the local supply chain and fostering collaboration within the Massachusetts manufacturing community.

The CONNEX Massachusetts kick-off event at AccuRounds served as a significant milestone in the pursuit of reshoring and supply chain resilience. By bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, and local manufacturers, the event highlighted the collective effort required to build a thriving manufacturing ecosystem in Massachusetts. The implementation of the CONNEX Marketplace will revolutionize the way local suppliers connect with manufacturers, paving the way for a stronger and more resilient manufacturing sector in the state.

For more information about Connex and its impact on reshoring and supply chain resilience, please visit https://massmep.org/connex/ or contact Kimberley Ingalls, kimberleyi@massmep.org.

About CONNEX Massachusetts
CONNEX Massachusetts is a groundbreaking initiative developed by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) in collaboration with the MERT 2.0 team. It aims to connect local suppliers, manufacturers, and stakeholders in the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem, fostering collaboration and driving reshoring efforts to enhance supply chain resilience. Find out more at https://massmep.org/connex/

About AccuRounds
AccuRounds is a leading precision manufacturing company based in Avon, MA. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, AccuRounds has established itself as a trusted partner for a wide range of industries, providing exceptional precision machining solutions. Find out more at https://www.accurounds.com/

About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that cultivates a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, all of which are enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit www.massmep.org.

For further information contact:
Kristy Grignon
MassMEP
27A Midstate Drive
Auburn, MA 01501
Ph: 508-831-7020
Email: kristyg@massmep.org
Web: http://www.massmep.org
PR Office:
Shari Worthington, President
Telesian Technology Inc.
49 Midgley Lane
Worcester, MA 01604 USA
Ph: 508-755-5242
Email: sharilee@telesian.com

© 2023, MassMEP, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.