New Utah Industry Resource Alliance provides critical support and resources to help Utah manufacturers thrive

A coalition of organizations with a stake in Utah manufacturing has formed the Utah Industry Resource Alliance (UIRA) with the stated purpose of providing all Utah manufacturers with a single, expert resource to help them improve their bottom lines. In a recent release, UIRA said it will deliver service and outreach to the manufacturing industry in the form of industry-specific training, mentoring and coaching. The alliance hopes to be a trusted business advisor to its clients.

“The manufacturing industry is critical to Utah’s economy. UIRA is a vital economic development organization, chartered specifically to help Utah manufacturers,” the UIRA statement said.

The alliance pools the expertise of the University of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UUMEP), Utah State University’s Manufacturing Extension Service and its Manufacturing and Outdoor Products Support Hub, iMpact Utah, Utah Manufacturers Association, World Trade Center Utah and the Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative. The team provides access to manufacturing specialists, application engineers and research professionals from organizations and universities throughout the state.

UIRA delivers industry-centric resources such as process improvement and operational efficiencies, supply chain optimization, revenue growth, leadership development, quality systems and certifications. Available programs through UIRA include cyber security, organizational excellence, continuous improvement, sustainable practices, technology acceleration, international business development, workforce development, supplier development and top-line and bottom-line growth resources, among others. As part of the national Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, UIRA leverages federal and state resources to support manufacturers even further.

The alliance is especially critical to the manufacturing industry as it navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers are seeking out methods to streamline and improve their processes as they face increasing demands, UIRA said.

“Manufacturing is a vital part of the state’s economy,” said Stephen Reed, director of USU’s Utah Manufacturing Extension Service. “It is essential that manufacturers have access to every tool they need to succeed, grow and thrive. Utah Industry Resource Alliance was founded to provide a unified resource for these tools.”

UIRA serves all 29 Utah counties, ensuring manufacturers throughout the state of Utah are supported. Many of their programs can be accessed online and at 29 locations statewide.

More information about UIRA is available at utahira.org, 801-587-0713, or by email at info@utahira.org.