Advanced Manufacturing Institute Receives Grant from Economic Development Administration

(Manhattan, Kan. October 12, 2007) – The Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University has been awarded $510,000 over three years from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to provide business and technical assistance to Kansas entrepreneurs and businesses.

Other supportive funds include $150,000 from the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation; $75,000 from the North Central Regional Planning Commission; and $45,000 from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which will be applied during the same period.

"We will use this funding to continue to expand our product and technology development capabilities and broaden our impact across Kansas," said Brad Kramer, director of the Advanced Manufacturing Institute. "Since 2004, the institute has assisted 85 companies and completed 140 projects in this area. In addition, we have helped clients increase sales, reduce costs and create and retain jobs. We have also built a network of contacts across the state, including NetWork Kansas, Kansas Small Business Development Centers and the Harvey County Economic Development Council, among others to support the effort."

"The Advanced Manufacturing Institute is an invaluable resource that serves as an engine for advancing technology-based economic development in Kansas and we are pleased to partner with them," said Steve Radley, director of NetWork Kansas.