James A. D’Agostino is CEO and director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at TDO, a nonprofit consulting and training organization. It is based in Liverpool.
Manufacturing has long been the backbone of the Empire State. Historically, it shaped Central New York’s economy and helped knit together the fabric of our communities. And today, manufacturing still fuels regional economic growth by providing stable, well-paying jobs, supporting a diverse supply chain and driving innovation across sectors, ranging from aerospace and defense to medical devices and advanced materials.
In fact, just last year, New York exported $72.7 billion of manufactured products as the third-largest state exporter of goods, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. Not only is manufacturing essential to New York’s past, it’s essential for where New York goes from here.
But with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reporting that the state’s manufacturing activity remains sluggish (which picked up slightly over the summer for the first time in four months), the time is now to boost this industry back into what it once was. That’s where the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) comes in.
Central New York’s manufacturers are not only producing essential goods — they’re also powering regional growth through investments in workforce development, technology adoption and sustainability. With strong ties to local educational institutions and a tradition of craftsmanship and ingenuity, our region is evolving into a hub for high-tech, precision and advanced manufacturing. In short, manufacturing in Central New York is more than just making products — it’s about building the future of the region.
Syracuse‑based TDO is one of 10 regional NY MEP centers statewide, delivering hands‑on training and technical support across a range of key areas, such as workforce and organizational development; environmental, health and safety systems; strategic planning and marketing; and innovation adoption and tech implementation.
We help small and mid-sized manufacturers — when their growth has stalled, when they want to become more innovative, when they’re struggling to solve a challenge, and even when they’re at the end of their rope. When they’re not sure where to turn for help creating more jobs or simply keeping the lights on, they turn to TDO and our NY MEP peer organizations.
We work directly inside companies to optimize daily operations — improving quality, delivery and cost control. We help transform work cultures and build a continuous-improvement mindset using proven, nationally recognized methods. We create customized in-house training and talent strategies to empower teams and strengthen leadership. We help companies accelerate innovation, from strategy to commercialization and tech adoption. And importantly, we provide guided access to funding support, facilitating grant opportunities for productivity improvements, workforce development, cybersecurity, and capital investments — making critical projects financially feasible. For example, our guidance and work with Knowles Precision Devices allowed them to show significant improvement in their key performance indicators, such as a 50% decrease in lead time and a $20 improvement in unit costs, in addition to culture and communication changes to support retaining employees at their growing business.
Typically, only large companies with significant in-house resources and big budgets can secure the type of services our organization provides. However, through the NY MEP, we make our strategic support accessible to all.
There’s a national movement underway to reshore manufacturing jobs and restore the strength of “Made in America.” We provide the solutions necessary to ensure small and mid-sized local manufacturers don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In essence, our job is to ensure that Central New York manufacturers strengthen their operations, embed a resilient, improvement-driven culture, and secure the resources needed to grow and create jobs for the long term. In recent years, we have worked with 107 small and mid-sized manufacturers, generating over $438.7 million in sales, cost savings, investments, and other benefits, including 1,789 jobs either created or saved.
But it’s not possible for us to keep delivering for our local economy without added support from the state and federal government — and right now, the funding environment is somewhat unclear. However, with outstanding partners in Albany and Washington who understand our impact, we’re confident we’ll continue serving the regional manufacturing sector for generations to come.
That’s because TDO provides real solutions that will help our state and nation achieve their manufacturing goals at the regional level: advancing high-tech manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains, developing a skilled and future-ready workforce, driving innovation, bolstering critical industries like defense and semiconductors, and revitalizing regional economies.
To restore New York to the powerhouse it once was, Central New York needs a comprehensive manufacturing support system. Together, with TDO at the heart of this ecosystem, we have the power here in our community to drive economic transformation.
For decades, the NY MEP has been providing growth and resources in every corner of the state — but the funding is never guaranteed. So, let’s ensure New York is prepared to invest in manufacturing and its own future.