ST. PETERS, Mo. – Manufacturing is a key segment of Missouri’s economy, representing 12%, or nearly $40 billion, of Missouri’s gross state product. 

But Missouri manufacturers struggled during the pandemic and continue to face pressing challenges, such as worker shortages, inflation and supply chain disruptions, said U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer at a Feb. 25 gathering of St. Charles-area manufacturers.

“Manufacturers across our state are more than just the builders, creators and producers,” Luetkemeyer said. “They are made up of people in our families, our neighborhoods and our communities. They provide the jobs that keep food on the tables of homes and shelter over the heads of millions across Missouri.”

The event was organized by the Partnership to Enhance Innovation, Resilience and Agility in Missouri’s Manufacturers. Based at University of Missouri Extension, the partnership offers Missouri manufacturers streamlined access to the expertise and resources of all four UM System universities through education, topic-focused roundtable discussions and company-specific projects.

“We hope that today serves as a starting point for serving manufacturers in the St. Charles area,” said Greg Tucker, state director for MU Extension’s Business Development Program. “We would welcome the opportunity to set up additional topic-focused roundtable discussions, as well as set up a site visit with your company to help identify UM System resources and expertise to meet your needs.”

Others speakers included Scott Drachnik of the St. Charles County Economic Development Council and Richard Billo, director of the Kummer Institute Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. Billo talked about Missouri S&T’s Manufacture Missouri Ecosystem, which works in partnership with a network of manufacturers to address workforce needs and help companies large and small stay competitive.

Seyer Industries, an aerospace and maritime equipment manufacturer in St. Peters, hosted the event.

The Partnership to Enhance Innovation, Resilience and Agility in Missouri’s Manufacturers is funded by a $608,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds, along with a $154,000 match from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

For more information, visit muext.us/EnhanceMoManufacturers.