Manufacturing in Montana

10/16/2026

See how Montana Global Health is growing with the help of automation, including support from MMEC.

Read Taylor Inman’s article, “Growth for Montana Global Health is an Easy Pill to Swallow,” to learn more: https://hagadonenewsnetwork.com/news/2026/oct/12/growth-for-montana-global-health-is-an-easy-pill-to-swallow/

10/15/2026

October is Manufacturing Month, and we’re celebrating a new chapter for photonics manufacturing in Montana!

Last week, PHIX Inc. officially opened its new cleanroom and offices in Bozeman with a ribbon cutting and open house. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry is proud to support PHIX as a partner in strengthening Montana’s advanced manufacturing industry and workforce.

PHIX’s new facility will add significant packaging and assembly capabilities to Montana’s integrated photonics ecosystem, building on the region’s strengths in photonic integrated circuit design, development, and testing.

Commissioner Sarah Swanson joined PHIX CEO Albert Hasper and Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance Executive Director Jason Yager to cut the ribbon. Optica’s Jose Pozo, photonics industry leaders, and Montana officials also gathered to celebrate this milestone and the skilled workforce behind it.

Here’s to manufacturing innovation and the people who make it possible!

10/15/2026

We're so pleased with how this Manufacturing Day event in Billings and surrounding counties has grown over the last few years!

10/15/2026

Join the Ready or Not Business Strategy Game in Bozeman! 🧠

Join MMEC on Thursday, November 19, for Ready or Not: The Business Strategy Game!

Ready or Not is an immersive, team-based manufacturing business simulation designed to enhance leadership skills and collaborative decision making. Join other manufacturers from your region for a fun, four-hour development activity that teaches proactive problem solving, emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, and develops business IQ.

Think of it as a flight simulator for business: a risk-free environment where participants experience the real financial impact of their decisions without real-world consequences.

The Bozeman event will be led by MMEC Supply Chain Manager and Economic Analyst Jeff Peterson and MMEC Senior Business Advisor Alistair Stewart.

📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026
⏰ 12:00–4:00 p.m.
📍 MMEC, 2310 University Way, Building 2, Suite 1, Bozeman

🔗 Registration is now open: https://web.cvent.com/event/f226df1a-3e4c-417b-a3b0-0036264cfd6e/summary

For more information, contact Jeff Peterson at [email protected]

10/14/2026

Thank you Kalispell Chamber of Commerce for all you do to promote manufacturing in the Flathead Valley during Manufacturing Month! Your facility tours and Symposium are becoming an annual higlight. And thanks for inviting MMEC to take part!

10/14/2026

DOC Launches Revamped Automation Financing Program 📣

The Montana Department of Commerce (DOC) offers an Automation Financing Program, which helps Montana manufacturers invest in equipment, technology, and process improvements that increase efficiency, productivity, capacity, and long-term competitiveness.

DOC recently revised the program into a Direct Lend component and a Collateral Support component. Direct Lend applications are now open and provide loans of up to $100,000 for equipment purchases, software implementation, or other process improvements. The Collateral Support program application window opens December 1.

🔗 View the full program guidelines: https://commerce.mt.gov/Business/Business-Assistance/Montana-Automation-Financing-Program/

🔗 Find your regional MMEC Business Advisor: https://www.montana.edu/mmec/about/expertise.html

The Montana Automation Financing Program Suite has two components: the Collateral Support Program and the Direct Loan Program.

10/13/2026

How are manufacturers approaching AI? 💭

A new study from the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence finds that while interest in AI is growing, most manufacturers are still in the early stages of adoption. Only 10% of manufacturers report that AI has been integrated into day-to-day operations, and 60% identify lack of internal expertise as a barrier to adoption. The findings highlight the importance of practical, low-risk approaches that connect emerging technology to measurable business outcomes.

🔗 Read the National AI Strategic Assessment (downloadable PDF):https://mfgfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AI_Readiness_Survey_Analysis-Assessment.pdf

10/12/2026

Achieving CMMC certification is only the beginning! 🖥️

Join Core Business Solutions on Thursday, October 15, from 2–3 p.m. EST for a webinar on what ongoing CMMC compliance really looks like.

Learn about monitoring, evidence maintenance, change management, preparing for future reassessments, and how to avoid falling out of compliance over time.

🔗 Register Now: https://corebusinesssolutions.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Oh71wHb-QNWcjwr2sI3X-A #/registration

10/12/2026

Manufacturing Month events continue across the state! Thanks Rocky Mountain Twist for hosting students from Charlo.

10/09/2026

Missed the Smart Manufacturing Roadshow? 🛣️

You can still learn more about new manufacturing technologies! Connect with MMEC Smart Manufacturing specialists Lane Gobbs or Brian Sullivan, or reach out to your local MMEC Business Advisor.

📩 Lane Gobbs: [email protected]
📩 Brian Sullivan: [email protected]

🔗Contact your local MMEC Business Advisor: https://www.montana.edu/mmec/about/expertise.html