The Manufacturing Solutions Center has grown to be a primer business incubator host.

With its roots in hosiery and furniture development and testing, the Manufacturing Solutions Center is part of Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC, working to have a positive economic impact on their community, the region, and the entire country. The organization works with traditional manufacturers and manufacturing start-ups, helping to solve problems and move companies forward. The mission of the Manufacturing Solutions Center is to help US manufacturers develop and grow their businesses. Over the last ten years, MSC has served over 3,200 customers nationwide and has helped create or retain 234 jobs, generating $24 million in sales and $1.3 million in cost savings. The Manufacturing Solutions Center is a long-time program member of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (or NCMEP) network.

Jeff Neuville is the director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center. Jeff previously served at the Small Business Center at Catawba County Community College. In 2021, Jeff was recognized as NC Small Business Center Director of the Year. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA with a focus in operations from the University of Maryland.

On this episode of Clocking In, Phil and Jeff discuss the Manufacturing Solutions Center Business Incubator, the new 75,000 sq foot MSC II building, services the Manufacturing Solutions Center provides and more.

NCMEP

Manufacturing Solutions Center

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.

Jeff Neuville is the director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center. Jeff previously served at the Small Business Center at Catawba County Community College. In 2021, Jeff was recognized as NC Small Business Center Director of the Year. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA with a focus in operations from the University of Maryland.