Gov. John Lynch today unveiled a new Web site designed to better connect NH manufacturers with NH suppliers and buyers. The site is the result of a suggestion Lynch received from a representative of Burndy LLC.
The State is partnering with MFG.com, a global marketplace for the manufacturing industry, for this first-of-its kind partnership. The unveiling took place at Burndy LLC, an electronic components manufacturer in Londonderry. Alan Beck, the VP of application tooling, made the suggestion to improve how NH businesses connect during the Manchester Jobs Cabinet Roundtable. Lynch joined representatives of several Granite State manufacturing firms and state economic development officials in unveiling the new site.
During last year's round tables, the Governor says he heard from business leaders who found it challenging to easily identify NH suppliers. A number of companies expressed a desire to work with NH companies but didn't know how to find partners. The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development worked with MFG.com to develop this new Web site.
"We want to make it easier for New Hampshire businesses to support and work with other New Hampshire companies. That will help our businesses grow and create jobs here in the Granite State," Gov. Lynch said. "The more New Hampshire manufacturers can work with other New Hampshire companies, the stronger our economy will be."
As part of the partnership, local companies that register on the "New Hampshire only" page on MFG.com, will be able to purchase goods and services from each other, creating a heightened awareness of resources within the state.
Adam Oaks, senior vice president and general manager of MFG.com, said the new partnership will open doors for Granite State suppliers and buyers to engage in locally-based matchmaking.
"We are extremely excited to be part of this initiative that essentially enables the local New Hampshire manufacturing community," he said. "The sourcing portal will effectively promote economic development within New Hampshire through intelligently connecting local manufacturing buyers and suppliers at the exact moment they need each other."
The link for the specially designed page will be housed on NHEconomy.com, the State's economic development site. Those suppliers who complete a registration for the MFG.com service through the New Hampshire landing page will receive an optimized profile, Atlas listing and projects from Granite State buyers for $99 a month. Buyers registering via the landing page will have access to the NH information for free.
"What a wonderful way to stimulate commerce and build new relationships among New Hampshire manufacturers and prospective buyers," said New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development Director George Bald. "This first-in-the-nation pilot program gives our state an incredible edge as we further develop and strengthen our manufacturing sector."
"A local supply base can provide a very competitive advantage particularly for developing new product and processes," added Beck of Burndy, which has offered high quality, competitively priced connectors, wiring accessories and installation tooling for connection problems for more than 85 years. "The application that the Division of Economic Development and MFG.com have facilitated was created expressly for New Hampshire businesses and is a powerful tool that allows companies to easily find the core competencies that exist locally. This will create healthier businesses and a stronger local economy."
"The New Hampshire page is of tremendous value to Granite State manufacturers," Zenagui Brahim, director of operations for the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership said. "By giving us a new and innovative addition to our toolkit, we have improved the prospects for all engaged in this vital industry."
A recent New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies report sponsored by the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire High Tech Council noted that Smart Manufacturing/High Technology (SMHT) is the single largest sector of NH's economy (19 percent). In 2009 alone, the SMHT sector encompassed 3,700 New Hampshire companies employing almost 80,000 people, paying out $6.4 billion in wages and benefits. Exports from the state's manufacturers directly support more than 77,000 jobs, compared to about 52,000 jobs in travel and tourism.
The "New Hampshire only" MFG.com page can be accessed at www.mfg.com/nheconomy.