CAVS-E to Continue Role in Manufacturing Partnership

March 21, 2017

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Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extention
Canton, Mississippi
Mississippi State University's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems sister center CAVS-Extension in Canton has secured an additional five years of federal funding, ensuring it will continue to play a key role in the state's Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology recently announced $12 million in first-year funding to operate partnership programs in 11 states, including Mississippi, which received $1.03 million.

The state's portion will be administered by the Mississippi Manufacturers Association beginning in April. Previously, Innovate Mississippi administered the partnership.

The CAVS Extension Center, a component of the engagement and outreach services offered by MSU's Bagley College of Engineering, has been a contractual unit of the extension partnership program for nearly 15 years. Under the program, it helps approximately 50 small and midsize manufacturing companies every year by providing technical assistance and expertise in the manufacturing process. Since 2006, CAVS-E has reported $6 billion in economic impact from clients.

CAVS-E Director Clay Walden said he is pleased to continue supporting the state's manufacturing economy.

The Mississippi Manufacturing Extension Partnership has affiliates across the state, including Itawamba Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi's Mississippi Polymer Institute and CAVS-E.

Story first printed in the Clarion Ledger