Davids Tours Local Manufacturer to Discuss Protecting Jobs Amid Trump’s Recent Cuts
LENEXA, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited SOR Controls, a Lenexa-based manufacturer and client of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS), to meet with workers and discuss the need to protect good-paying jobs and support local manufacturers. Davids highlighted her new Defend American Manufacturing Act, which would restore critical funding to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program — the primary source of funding for KMS. The Trump administration recently cut MEP funding, forcing KMS to lay off half its staff and putting local jobs and economic growth at risk.
“I’ve seen firsthand the critical role that local manufacturers play in our economy. They provide jobs, protect our national security, strengthen our supply chain, and support families across our state — but now they are under attack by President Trump,” said Davids. “That’s why I introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act — to ensure that Kansas Manufacturing Solutions can continue helping local businesses grow, innovate, and remain competitive. We should be investing in what works, not dismantling successful programs that create and preserve American jobs.”
Davids’ Defend American Manufacturing Act aims to restore stability for manufacturers by requiring the National Institute of Standards and Technology to renew and award MEP funding annually, preventing future politically motivated cuts to the program. The bill also ensures that MEP services continue to support the growth and innovation of small and mid-sized manufacturers, strengthening U.S. competitiveness and job creation.
KMS, which provides workforce training and business support to small and mid-sized manufacturers, has been instrumental to the state’s economy — where 86 percent of annual exports come from manufactured goods. In 2024 alone, KMS helped create or retain over 2,300 jobs, spurred $122 million in new investment, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and generated $328 million in sales. Last year, KMS worked with 552 manufacturers statewide and supported more than 30,000 manufacturing employees in Kansas’ Third District.
“KMS is a great resource and has provided best value services to SOR for many years,” said Bert Benton, Chief Operating Officer, SOR Controls. “These services range from strategic growth initiatives to lean manufacturing visual workplace practices to productivity improvement Kaizen. KMS is the creator and prime sponsor for the Kansas City Manufacturing Network, (KCMN). KCMN has been a great source for networking and best in class ideas from other area manufacturers for SOR.”
The MEP program has been a cornerstone of support for small and mid-sized manufacturers across the U.S. for nearly 40 years. It provides critical services such as workforce training, cybersecurity assistance, and market expansion strategies. In 2024, MEP programs helped create or save more than 108,000 jobs, generate $15 billion in sales, and save local businesses $2.6 billion. However, recent actions by the Trump administration cut nearly $13 million in funding from the MEP program, impacting centers like KMS, which serves the state’s manufacturing sector.