GRAND RAPIDS – The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center formed a team of experts to assist manufacturers with planning for growth and diversification. The Manufacturing Assistance Team provides support to manufacturers in three specific areas: financial analysis, capital access and strategic actions.

“Michigan’s small business manufacturers are facing times when financing options are limited and the need to diversify is great,” said Carol Lopucki, MI-SBTDC State Director. “Using their expertise and experience working with manufacturers, MAT can assist companies with analyzing complex situations and making tough decisions.”

The Team was formed in 2009 in response to the economic stress in the manufacturing sector. MAT started to gain traction in 2010 and has since assisted more than 70 manufacturing companies across the state. MAT clients are typically small to medium size manufacturers looking to diversify into new industries, exploring options for expansion, or strengthening their internal financial management tools.

Proos Manufacturing, a manufacturing business in Grand Rapids, has been in business since 1919 and a MAT client since 2009. Amy Engelsman, owner of Proos, worked with MAT consultants to analyze the company?s financial information. Together, they guided Engelsman through the process of restructuring their costs and developing formal sales forecasts and cash flow statements.

“It was great working with someone who acted like a partner for us, helping us identify problems and bringing them to the surface,” said Engelsman. “It was very educational and really provided another perspective for us.”

In 2009, 27 percent of the 15,808 clients served by the SBTDC were manufacturing clients. To contact a member of the SBTDC Manufacturing Assistance Team (MAT), send an email to [email protected].

The MI-SBTDC is located at the Grand Valley State University, Seidman College of Business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As host of the MI-SBTDC State Headquarters, the Seidman College of Business oversees the twelve-region MI-SBTDC network. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest MI-SBTDC by calling (616) 331-7480.

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