Davids Visits Olathe Manufacturer After Helping Restore Funding for Kansas Manufacturing Program
OLATHE, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) visited an Olathe-based aerospace manufacturer to highlight the strength of Kansas manufacturing and her work to protect programs that help local businesses grow and create jobs.
The visit followed Davids’ vote to fully fund the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program, which includes Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS), after the Trump Administration attempted to cut congressionally approved funding for the program last year.
“Kansas manufacturers are proving every day that when we invest in American workers and innovation, we all benefit,” said Davids. “Kansas Manufacturing Solutions helps these small and mid-sized manufacturers strengthen their operations, grow their workforce, and compete globally. I’m glad we were able to overturn extreme policies that would harm this progress, ensuring Washington doesn’t pull the rug out from under Kansas businesses and workers.”
WATCH: Davids and Tiffany Stovall, KMS, discuss the importance of domestic manufacturing
Last year, the Trump Administration cut off MEP funding, forcing KMS to lay off nearly half its staff and putting local jobs and economic growth at risk. In response, Davids introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act, legislation to restore and protect critical funding for MEP programs — the primary source of support for KMS. Following Davids’ advocacy and bipartisan pressure from Congress, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) temporarily restored funding to the MEP program.
Manufacturing plays a critical role in Kansas’ economy, accounting for 86 percent of the state’s annual exports. In 2024, KMS helped create or retain 2,339 jobs, spurred $122 million in new investment, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and generated $328 million in sales statewide. In Kansas’ Third District alone, KMS assisted 552 manufacturers and supported more than 30,000 manufacturing employees last year.
“Kansas Manufacturing Solutions employs industry experts to provide hands-on support to manufacturers in Kansas,” said Tiffany Stovall, Chief Executive Officer, Kansas Manufacturing. “The results speak for themselves in Kansas by number of new/retained jobs, measurable company growth, and helping companies navigate uncertainties like supply chain challenges. We are so thankful for Representative Davids' support. She is a champion of manufacturing, KMS and the MEP program in every state.”
For nearly 40 years, the MEP program has helped small and mid-sized manufacturers improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and expand into new markets. Through 51 public-private centers operating in every state and Puerto Rico, MEPs provide services such as workforce training, cybersecurity assistance, and market expansion support. In 2024 alone, the program helped create or save more than 108,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide, generated $15 billion in sales, and saved businesses $2.6 billion.