News
The Toll of Tariffs
Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector remains a major contributor to the state’s economy. And many of those companies are under tremendous stress, according to a survey conducted in June by R.I. Commerce Corp., the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association and Polaris MEP.
AI in Manufacturing: What’s Now—and What’s Next?
IndustryWeek’s coverage by MIT Professor Wojciech Matusik spotlights artificial intelligence as a transformative force in manufacturing, pushing adoption beyond experimentation to everyday business impact.
Overconfidence in Cybersecurity Strategy Puts Supply Chains at Risk
New research from NCC Group [link: https://www.nccgroup.com/] highlighted in Material Handling & Logistics News reveals a troubling gap between perception and reality in supply chain cybersecurity preparedness.
Nuclear in Your Backyard? Tiny Reactors Could One Day Power Towns
In her Manufacturing.net article, “Nuclear in Your Backyard? Tiny Reactors Could One Day Power Towns,” Aditi Verma, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, explores how the next wave of microreactors could reshape the nuclear energy landscape.
Shedding Light on the Future of Metal 3D Printing
NIST researcher Brian Gutierrez is illuminating a breakthrough approach that uses laser light reflections—called caustics—to reveal defects in metal 3D printing in real time.
Companies seek ‘next-generation’ makers at Manufacturing Day 2025
A shortage of qualified workers remains a familiar concern for Rhode Island’s manufacturing leaders in attendance at RI’s Future in the Making 2025. PBN’s Jacquelyn Voghel spoke with Doug Travers of Herrick & White and Rose Wood of Neocorp.
Hundreds of Rhode Island Students Explore Local Manufacturing Careers at Manufacturing Day 2025
Despite the gloomy weather, Rhode Island’s next generation of makers gathered at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on October 8th for the fourth annual Manufacturing Day Career Exploration Experience, hosted by Polaris MEP.
Measuring Harmful By-Products of Air Cleaners
This test will allow manufacturers to make improvements in their devices, enable consumers to make apples-to-apples comparisons, and pave the way for emission limits of these by-products.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Generative AI in a demanding Industrial Setting
When implemented thoughtfully, with grounding and governance, Gen AI bridges the gap between complex systems and human ingenuity.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Generative AI in a demanding Industrial Setting
When implemented thoughtfully, with grounding and governance, Gen AI bridges the gap between complex systems and human ingenuity.
Nordson EFD Completes Eighth Job Shadowing Program with Polaris MEP
Hosted by Polaris MEP and the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), this is a community-based program in its second year of support for the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC-RI) training center in Providence, RI. The initiative aims to prepare individuals for careers in advanced manufacturing, with job shadowing being a key component of the hands-on experience in workforce training. Nordson EFD has been involved in local internships, facility tours, and hiring local Rhode Island students with the required technical skills for machining and other production jobs.
Request for Proposals: Job Training & Support Services
Polaris MEP seeks proposals from training providers for job training and support services targeting adults seeking full-time, livable-wage employment in the Advanced Manufacturing, Marine Trades, and Blue Economy sectors.
Rhode Island Manufacturers Report Tariffs Have Negatively Impacted Their Bottom Line
Survey conducted by Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Commerce and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association captures scope of impact on Ocean State manufacturing
Annual Impact Report 2024
This annual report only highlights a fraction of our 2024 outcomes and focuses on Technology Briefings and Demonstrations, including the inaugural BlueTIDE event, and Technology Scouting. Download Now >
Compost Company Ensures Safety Priorities are “In the Mix” with Help from Rhode Island MEP Center
Case Study: Small RI Manufacturer ReMix Organics protects their bottom line – & employees with facility hazard assessment, safety training.
Additive Manufacturing Company Drives Sales Through Combination of Quality Certification and Quality Lead Generation
Case Study: Quality Certification and Lead Generation service helps RI additive manufacturing company R&D Technologies grow sales.
Lean Training Helps Dairy Make Transformational Cost-Saving “Moooooves”
Case Study: Lean Training from Polaris MEP leads Rhode Island dairy to a “huge win” with significant savings of time and expense.
“We Knocked Our Production Time Nearly in Half” With Lean Training
Lean Training Case Study: How scenic automation manufacturer Creative Conners reduced production time through Polaris MEP and 5S.