LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville’s Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP) has secured $8 million in state-appropriated funding, announced Thursday. The funding is aimed at assisting small and medium-sized manufacturers in Kentucky with investments in next-generation technologies such as automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing.
UofL President Kim Schatzel expressed her enthusiasm for the program, sharing her personal connection to the manufacturing industry. Having previously worked for Ford and Warner, Schatzel highlighted how the initiative resonated with her, given her own experience on the shop floor.
“I was a shop rat, I made round things rounder and flat things flatter for a long time working for Ford as well as Warner,” Schatzel said. “So I can tell you this really speaks to me in terms of the work that’s done, as well as the support being done that we can provide to the manufacturing sector within Kentucky.”
Schatzel emphasized that the funding would serve as more than just financial assistance, describing it as a “catalyst for innovation.” She believes the program will help Kentucky’s manufacturing industry become more competitive globally and foster growth.
“This is not dollars for just funding; it’s a catalyst for the innovation that we will be able to support,” Schatzel explained. “It provides for the fact that our industry will be more competitive. It will grow and it will have a global impact.”
Kentucky is home to over 4,000 manufacturing firms, ranging from food production to advanced automation. Program leaders hope the funding will help companies improve customer experience and gain an edge over competitors both within and outside the state.
The initiative comes at a time when Kentucky’s manufacturing sector is looking to modernize and improve its efficiency through cutting-edge technology, positioning the state to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
