Columbia, MD, June 6, 2023 – The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maryland MEP) announced the June 2, 2023 debut of CONNEX™ Maryland/DC, a new program designed to strengthen the local and domestic manufacturing supply chain.

CONNEX™ Maryland/DC is a powerful online manufacturer connectivity platform provided as a resource for Maryland manufacturers to connect with each other, find local and domestic suppliers, explore production capabilities, identify opportunities, and manage their supply chain. The system also has tools to help manufacturers identify and evaluate single supplier risks and find opportunities for diversification in their supply chain.

“Being able to provide our state’s manufacturers with an online platform that can alleviate their supply chain strains is something Maryland MEP is extremely proud of and excited about,” said Mike Kelleher, Executive Director of the Maryland MEP.

CONNEX™ Maryland/DC will offer manufacturers the ability to post requests for information (RFIs) and requests for quotes (RFQs) in the platform’s Business to Business (B2B) Exchange Center, to which qualified suppliers may directly respond to the post with their capabilities and availability. These platform features will help Maryland and DC manufacturers quickly find the materials and inputs they need to meet their productivity and profitability objectives, while improving supply chain robustness for downstream.

Kelleher further described the CONNEX™ Maryland/DC platform as a powerful, intuitive tool for everyone in the manufacturing community. “CONNEX™ Maryland/DC brings all Maryland manufacturers into a single platform where they can tag themselves with hundreds of unique searchable categorizations, which enables both manufacturers and material suppliers to quickly find and connect with each other based on their exact needs. It’s an opportunity that manufacturers can’t afford to miss. Each manufacturer is invited to set up their free profile and share as much information as they would like,” Kelleher said.

Through the sponsorship of Maryland MEP, a local version of the platform will be provided for free to all Maryland and D.C. manufactures to connect with each other and find new business opportunities within the state and district. In addition, Maryland MEP is offering manufacturers a no-cost 1 year upgrade to the entire national platform if they sign up by the end of July. This means that Maryland and DC manufacturers can freely connect with all U.S. manufacturers and discover new business opportunities across the entire country.

“We are excited to join forces with Maryland MEP to implement and support the launch of the CONNEX Maryland/DC platform,” declared Alan Davis, President and CEO of CONNEX Marketplace. “From the inception of CONNEX, we recognized the importance of forging strong partnerships within the local manufacturing industry. Our aim has always been to collaborate closely with existing manufacturing partners across the nation, tapping into their deep knowledge of the industry landscape and their well-established relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. Maryland MEP is a critical partner in this endeavor, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them in bringing this exciting new supply chain platform to Maryland and DC manufacturers.”

Maryland MEP will offer virtual demonstration webinars of the platform throughout the summer to provide manufacturers and stakeholders a quick overview of CONNEX’s features and functionalities. Interested organizations can find webinar information and more by visiting: https://mdmep.org/connex-maryland-dc/.

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About Maryland MEP

Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maryland MEP) is a non-profit organization that is focused on growing and strengthening Maryland manufacturers. Serving manufacturers across all industries and regions of the state, Maryland MEP provides programs, services and resources that enable manufacturers to improve efficiencies, implement new processes and technologies, realize business growth, and create jobs and opportunities for workforce improvement.

Maryland MEP is part of the MEP National Network™ comprised of 51 MEP Centers, more than 2,500 subject matter experts and practitioners with access to federal and state programs and resources. As the convenor of these resources within the State of Maryland, Maryland MEP is uniquely positioned to assist manufacturers in accessing and leveraging financial and technical assistance at the federal, state, and local levels. On an annual basis, the Maryland MEP Team works with more than 500 manufacturers across the state, generating more than $380 million in economic impact and helps to create or retain over 2,500 jobs.

https://mdmep.org

About CONNEX Marketplace by i5 Services

Founded in 2014, CONNEX Marketplace is an online manufacturing platform that connects all U.S. manufacturers & suppliers into a single, accurate, searchable supply-chain solution. Manufacturers and suppliers can quickly post and respond to manufacturing needs, illuminate supply chain risk, search for qualified suppliers and discover new business opportunities. The platform is being installed in states throughout the country in partnership with state MEP centers and other partners.  For more information, visit www.ConnexMarketplace.com