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

MassMEP to Launch CONNEX Massachusetts, Supply  Chain Marketplace for Manufacturers, on April 13, 2023

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March 20, 2023 – Auburn, MA – Massachusetts will soon have an easier way to connect manufacturers and suppliers, allowing them to quickly find partners and build stronger supply chains. MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, will launch CONNEX Massachusetts, an online Industry 4.0 platform designed to strengthen local and domestic manufacturing supply chains, on April 13, 2023, in less than one month. Created in partnership with CONNEX Marketplace, the new platform will provide a single, accurate, searchable scouting database to connect Massachusetts manufacturers and suppliers to strengthen the local and domestic manufacturing supply chain.

CONNEX Massachusetts is an online marketplace for manufacturers to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains. The goal of the platform is to increase manufacturing growth among Massachusetts manufacturers as well as help smaller Massachusetts suppliers more easily connect with larger U.S. manufacturers who need their services.

“The pandemic has delivered a stark lesson on the vulnerability of supply chains,” said Kathie Mahoney, CEO/President of MassMEP. “Disruptions to existing supply chains resulted in shortages of materials and inputs to manufacturing processes, hampering the productivity and profitability of Massachusetts manufacturers and impacting the lives of countless employees and consumers. CONNEX Massachusetts provides us with a powerful platform to build a strong, Massachusetts-centric manufacturing network that will help local organizations easily identify alternate suppliers; improve supply chain diversity, resiliency, and risk, and expand new business opportunities.”

CONNEX Massachusetts will allow manufacturers to identify potential suppliers within the state based on their capabilities, not just current production. Results can be filtered to meet a manufacturer’s specific needs based on hundreds of unique criteria, such as equipment, processes, materials, and certifications. In the B2B Exchange Center, manufacturers will also be able to post RFIs and RFQs; qualified suppliers can then respond with their capabilities and availability.  These platform features will help 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.

CONNEX Massachusetts is based on CONNEX Marketplace technology, developed by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. It’s now being used by manufacturers and suppliers across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities. Massachusetts is the 10th state to roll out the CONNEX Marketplace™ platform, joining Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, Tennessee, the West Texas region, Utah, and Wyoming. In each state, the platform is managed by the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to provide a coordinated approach to outreach and direction for users. MassMEP is the Massachusetts MEP.

Registration for Massachusetts manufacturers and suppliers will begin on April 13, 2023, when the platform launches. For more information, contact Kimberley Ingalls, kimberleyi@massmep.org.

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.

© 2023, MassMEP, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.