CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – In a show of support for Illinois manufacturers, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led a roundtable discussion at Wagner Machine Company in Champaign, highlighting the vital role of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program and raising concern over proposed federal funding cuts.
“The impact the MEP program has had on our district cannot be overstated,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “MEP has aided local businesses, generating millions in new investments and creating and maintaining good-paying jobs right here at home. Threats to this program are yet another attempt by the administration to cut funding that is doing great things in our communities.”
Budzinski added, “I’ve toured many manufacturers in this district, and I keep hearing the same thing: MEP isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Cutting this program would be pulling the rug out from under the very companies that are building our economy.”
Wagner Machine Company, a small, precision manufacturing business, has been a participant in the MEP program through IMEC, benefiting from technical support and strategic growth initiatives.
“IMEC has been helpful for us on several past and current projects related to 5S and other business operations,” said Kurt Wagner, CEO of Wagner Machine Company. “They are currently helping us make connections to upgrade our IT infrastructure, which is critical for us to continue working with defense contractors. Their industry expertise and connections save us time and money so we can focus on our core business operations.”
David Boulay, Ph.D., President of IMEC, emphasized the measurable return on investment the program brings: “Small and mid-sized manufacturers are a critical economic backbone for our rural communities. Through the MEP program, we work with hundreds of these companies each year to help them stay competitive, build resilience, and seize reshoring and growth opportunities. The program delivers outsized proven results, and I appreciate Congresswoman Budzinski’s leadership in ensuring this essential support continues.”
In Illinois, the MEP program is administered through IMEC and serves as a lifeline for small and mid-sized manufacturers that often lack the internal resources to compete globally or respond to regulatory shifts.
Camerson Joost, Assistant Director at IL DCEO, praised the program’s efficiency and equity. “We see firsthand how MEP and IMEC level the playing field for small manufacturers across the state. These are often family-owned businesses that are deeply tied to their communities, and MEP gives them access to tools and expertise they wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s a smart investment with real, lasting impact.”
In the 13th Congressional District alone, the MEP program has driven more than $10.5 million in capital investment, created 181 new jobs, and helped retain 746 existing positions over the past four years — results that stakeholders say illustrate why the program must be protected.
“Our goal at DCEO is to grow opportunity across all corners of the state,” Joost continued. “MEP is one of the best tools we have to support that mission.”
As policymakers in Washington weigh budget decisions, Budzinski vowed to fight for continued MEP funding. “This is not just about dollars and cents — it’s about keeping jobs here in Illinois, supporting national security through domestic manufacturing, and giving our small businesses the support they deserve.”