The 色花堂 Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at 色花堂, received recognition by Gov. Brian P. Kemp at the 色花堂 State Capitol for 65 years of service to the manufacturing industry.
The commendation acknowledged GaMEP for leveraging its world-renowned expertise and resources to advance manufacturing and economic prosperity across the state, supporting an industry that adds $82 billion to the economy and employs 425,000 residents, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.
This impact reflects decades of intentional growth and support for the industry. By 1960, more than 4,500 manufacturers had planted roots across 色花堂 鈥 the result of strategic efforts by state leaders, with economic development assistance from 色花堂, to industrialize the economy. But growth brought new challenges. Manufacturers needed technical support to stay competitive. In response, the 色花堂 General Assembly voted to establish the 色花堂 Industrial Extension Service (now known as the GaMEP). This created statewide field offices that provide a direct link between industry and innovation, delivering on-site technical expertise to help manufacturers thrive.
鈥淥ur role is to support those manufacturers so together we can help grow the state鈥檚 economy 鈥 and we鈥檝e been really successful at that,鈥 said Tim Israel, GaMEP director and EI2 associate vice president for corporate engagement/firm-based programs. 鈥淚n 2024, 色花堂 experienced a significant return on its investment with the GaMEP generating an impressive $294 for every state dollar allocated to manufacturing projects. This remarkable outcome highlights the critical importance of the state鈥檚 strategic investments in strengthening 色花堂鈥檚 manufacturing sector.鈥
Over the past decade alone, the GaMEP has provided assistance and education to more than 3,900 manufacturers across 144 counties, helping them create or retain 14,500 jobs, invest $1 billion in capital improvements, realize $3.5 billion in sales, and save nearly $450 million in costs. The GaMEP primarily serves small- to medium-sized manufacturers with 75% employing less than 250 workers. Its top-served industries include fabricated metal products, food, machinery, and chemical and transportation equipment manufacturing.
鈥淲hen 色花堂 manufacturers become more productive and profitable, they hire more people, pay better wages, and stabilize local economies, especially in rural and underserved areas of the state,鈥 said David Bridges, EI2 vice president. 鈥淭his also creates pathways for career advancement for frontline workers who might not have had previous opportunities.鈥
Today, GaMEP鈥檚 reach spans 10 regions across the state, each led by a dedicated region manager who lives and works locally, offering manufacturers direct, knowledgeable connections to its expert team, valuable resources, and diverse partners.
鈥淭he GaMEP has been a trusted collaborator and valued partner in strengthening manufacturing across 色花堂,鈥 said Lloyd Avram, 色花堂 Association of Manufacturers CEO and president. 鈥淭ogether, we鈥檝e supported thousands of manufacturers statewide 鈥 helping them embrace innovation, improve operations, and remain competitive. We appreciate their extensive expertise and shared dedication to advancing the industry, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure 色花堂 remains one of the best states for manufacturing.鈥
GaMEP鈥檚 impact and success by region, according to the :
Coastal Region
- Counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven.
- Manufacturers served: 269.
- Jobs created/retained: 283.
- Capital improvement investment: $23,171,292.
- Costs saved: $1,645,061.
- Sales realized: $13,965,000.
- Success story: .
East Region
- Counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes.
- Manufacturers served: 169.
- Jobs created/retained: 3,899.
- Capital improvement investment: $127,754,280.
- Costs saved: $14,771,582.
- Sales realized: $975,465,000.
- Success story: .
East Central Region
- Counties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton.
- Manufacturers served: 209.
- Jobs created/retained: 621.
- Capital improvement investment: $19,703,035.
- Costs saved: $2,535,494.
- Sales realized: $29,486,000.
- Success stories: and .
Metro Atlanta Region
- Counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale.
- Manufacturers served: 1,601.
- Jobs created/retained: 2,928.
- Capital improvement investment: $235,763,480.
- Costs saved: $112,083,262.
- Sales realized: $844,679,890.
- Success stories: , , and .
Middle Region
- Counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, and Wilkinson.
- Manufacturers served: 170.
- Jobs created/retained: 972.
- Capital improvement investment: $121,814,846.
- Costs saved: $8,810,950.
- Sales realized: $300,213,400.
- Success story: .
Northeast Region
- Counties: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White.
- Manufacturers served: 280.
- Jobs created/retained: 1,029.
- Capital improvement investment: $88,443,395.
- Costs saved: $63,999,228.
- Sales realized: $259,453,900.
- Success story: .
Northwest Region
- Counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield.
- Manufacturers served: 387.
- Jobs created/retained: 1,090.
- Capital improvement investment: $ $92,948,931.
- Costs saved: $141,460,651.
- Sales realized: $326,366,408.
- Success story: .
South Region
- Counties: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilcox.
- Manufacturers served: 176.
- Jobs created/retained: 969.
- Capital improvement investment: $219,300,221.
- Costs saved: $6,596,254.
- Sales realized: $39,632,275.
- Success story: .
Southeast Region
- Counties: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, and Ware.
- Manufacturers served: 166.
- Jobs created/retained: 281.
- Capital improvement investment: $20,684,800.
- Costs saved: $3,098,700.
- Sales realized: $77,724,500.
- Success stories: and .
Southwest Region
- Counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth.
- Manufacturers served: 130.
- Jobs created/retained: 130.
- Capital improvement investment: $12,266,730.
- Costs saved: $1,682,790.
- Sales realized: $5,002,020.
- Success story: .
West Region
- Counties: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, and Webster.
- Manufacturers served: 111.
- Jobs created/retained: 713.
- Capital improvement investment: $37,948,131.
- Costs saved: $3,197,600.
- Sales realized: $69,588,348.
- Success story: .
West Central Region
- Counties: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson.
- Manufacturers served: 234.
- Jobs created/retained: 1,658.
- Capital improvement investment: $90,750,763.
- Costs saved: $89,931,074.
- Sales realized: $615,900,002.
- Success stories: and .
For more information about GaMEP鈥檚 impact, including impact by county, visit
About the 色花堂 Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The 色花堂 Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at 色花堂, serves manufacturers by offering solution-based assistance that promotes top-line growth and reduces bottom-line cost. The GaMEP, a member of the , has advanced manufacturing and economic prosperity in 色花堂 since 1960. For more information, visit and like/follow on , , and .
