The University of Louisville’s Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP) has secured $8 million to help the state’s small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.
With the funding, which comes via a state appropriation, KY-MEP has launched the Catalyst Equipment Match (CEM) program. The program provides an up to 50% match for manufacturers (up to $200,000) for investments in capital equipment and next-generation technologies — for example, automation, robotics and additive manufacturing.
“These investments are critical to powering Kentucky’s manufacturing economy and making it future-proof,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “As someone with a background in manufacturing, I’m proud that we can offer these supports and drive these firms and Kentucky’s economy forward.”
Kentucky is home to more than 4,000 manufacturing firms in areas ranging from food and beverage to automotive, with a total workforce of more than 250,000. The goal of this new program is to help those companies improve production, expand, enhance customer service and, overall, gain competitive advantage that sets Kentucky firms apart.
Through CEM, firms can apply for funding to update or replace equipment, including those with smart and connected technology such as automation, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. It’s part of an overall drive in business and manufacturing known as Industry 4.0 or Enterprise 4.0., which has the potential to radically transform a number of industries, and the benefits will go to companies that plan ahead.
“These technologies have the ability to greatly improve operations and expand Kentucky’s economy,” said Scott Broughton, executive director of the KY-MEP. “Through this new CEM program, we can support firms looking to adopt these technologies, building on KY-MEP’s mission of solving manufacturing problems for all Kentuckians and helping firms based here become even more globally competitive.”
KY-MEP, housed at UofL, solves manufacturing problems. The partnership leverages their industry-leading team and resources to help manufacturers affect transformational change management, implement waste-reducing systems and processes, grow revenue streams and customized culture models that support the talent pipeline and a sustainable workforce. In the past 12 months alone, KY-MEP supported more than 600 companies throughout Kentucky and drove more than $131 million in economic impact by way of retained or added jobs, improved efficiency and more.
“KY-MEP is part of an overall push by UofL to support industry and connect them to the resources and talent they need to solve important problems, innovate and grow,” said Will Metcalf, an associate vice president for research and innovation at UofL. “UofL has significant earned expertise in a number of different disciplines, and we plan to use that expertise to help drive Kentucky’s economy forward.”
The state appropriation was championed by a few key legislators, including Kentucky Rep. Jason Nemes and Sen. Julie Raque Adams.
“Our small and mid-sized manufacturing companies are vitally important to Kentucky’s economy,” Nemes said. “Leveraging the expertise at UofL, these grant funds will benefit manufacturers in all different corners of the Commonwealth, strengthening our economy by increasing access to advanced technologies.”
“I was proud to support the state appropriation for Kentucky manufacturers,” Adams said. “This state funding, along with UofL’s innovative team, provides a tremendous opportunity to help our manufacturing businesses grow and thrive in today’s fast-changing tech environment.”
KY-MEP is part of the NIST MEP National Network™, a unique public/private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and more than 2,500 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 450 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
Manufacturing firms can find more information on the CEM program and apply for funding here.
View more photos on Flickr from the March 6, 2025 announcement.
