The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) exists to enhance the competitive position of the state's manufacturing sector. TMAC's manufacturing professionals work with a wide range of industrial firms, delivering training, providing technical assistance and implementing best business practices. Our particular emphasis is on the needs of small to mid-sized manufacturers. Focus areas include lean manufacturing and lean office principles, technology solutions, strategic management, quality systems, environment and safety.
TMAC is an affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which provides Federal funding. TMAC consists of seven partner institutions delivering services statewide. The Texas partners are: The University of Texas at Arlington; the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), part of The Texas A&M University System; The University of Texas at El Paso; The University of Houston; Southwest Research Institute; Texas Tech University; and The University of Texas – Pan American.
The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center:
- Provides affordable statewide access to training and
technical assistance that smaller manufacturers and those
in rural areas would not otherwise have.
- Leverages partners’ funding and customer fees with federal
dollars in a unique public-private partnership.
- Supports the competitiveness of Texas’ manufacturing
sector by focusing on firms committed to continuous
improvement and willing to invest in their own growth.
- Enhances the development of supplier relationships
between large and small manufacturers in Texas, helping
to keep dollars circulating within the state economy.
- Has a measurable positive impact on its customers and
the state economy.
TMAC Funding
TMAC is funded primarily through a combination of customer fees and Federal support from NIST. TMAC customers pay for the hours of direct service they receive. NIST funding covers one-third of program expenses, which allows TMAC to maintain its experienced staff and the outreach capabilities required to serve smaller manufacturers. The current Federal funding level is $5.7 million a year, with renewals contingent upon acceptable performance. TMAC has been reviewed annually by NIST, commended for its accomplishments, and recommended for continued funding. This ongoing national commitment is critical to developing a more competitive manufacturing sector in Texas.
