UIRA organized for support to Utah's manufacturing industry

Stakeholders in Utah’s manufacturing industry have launched a new association to provide a one-stop resource for industry companies to improve operations and profitability. The Utah Industry Resource Alliance (UIRA) will deliver service and outreach to the manufacturing industry in the form of industry-specific training, mentoring and coaching along with becoming a business advisor to its members.

The new alliance is a joint effort of the University of the Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UUMEP), Utah State University’s (USU) Manufacturing Extension Service and its Manufacturing and Outdoor Products Support Hub, iMpact Utah, the Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA), World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) and the Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI). The alliance expects the team to provide access to manufacturing specialists, application engineers and research professionals from the top organizations and universities in the state.

“UIRA delivers industry-centric resources such as process improvement and operational efficiencies, supply chain optimization, revenue growth, leadership development, quality systems and certifications,” UIRA said in announcing its formation. Available programs through UIRA include cyber security, organizational excellence, continuous improvement, sustainable practices, technology acceleration, international business development, workforce development, supplier development and top-line and bottom-line growth resources, among others. As part of the national Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), UIRA leverages federal and state resources to support manufacturers even further.

“The alliance is especially critical to the manufacturing industry as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers are seeking out methods to streamline and improve their processes as they face increasing demands,” the statement said.

“Manufacturing is a vital part of the state’s economy,” said Stephen Reed, director of USU’s Utah Manufacturing Extension Service. “It is essential that manufacturers have access to every tool they need to succeed, grow and thrive. Utah Industry Resource Alliance was founded to provide a unified resource for these tools.”

Additional information is available at https://utahira.org.