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MEP Success Stories from Colorado

Streamlining Operations, Unlocking Growth: Blender Products’ Success Story

Reported Year
2024
Blender Products experienced a decline in sales of traditional HVAC equipment due to historically high interest rates, which slowed investments in construction and renovation projects. In response, the company sought to diversify its offerings and explore new revenue streams, including manufacturing equipment for data centers. However, the shift

Opening Doors to Improvement: TruStile’s Training Transformation

Reported Year
2024
As part of its cultural commitment to continuous improvement, TruStile sought to identify areas with the highest potential for impact across the organization. The company wanted to focus on training programs that would yield measurable results, but implementing training at scale presented challenges. With many employees involved in time-sensitive

Forging New Paths: Vforge’s Digital Transformation

Reported Year
2024
Vforge sought to grow by entering new markets, particularly the automotive sector. While the company had previously worked with Manufacturer’s Edge, part of the MEP National Network™, for workforce training, it wasn’t until a conversation with Regional Director Eric Seedman that they realized the full range of services available to support their

A Century of Excellence: Best Signs and the Power of Lean

Reported Year
2024
About a decade ago, Best Signs engaged with the Manufacturer's Edge (ME) team, part of the MEP National Network™, and utilized state funding through the Skills Advance Grant to implement lean practices at their Montrose facility. Recently, they sought to replicate that significant success at their Lakewood campus and contacted ME for help once

Chalking Up Success: Friction Labs’ Lean Manufacturing Evolution

Reported Year
2024
In the early days, Friction Labs relied on co-packers for manufacturing, allowing Kevin and Keah to focus on sales and marketing, areas where they had extensive experience. They soon realized, however, that taking control of the manufacturing process could lead to cost savings and higher product quality.

Securing Success: MBK Machine's Cyber Compliance Journey and Business Growth

Reported Year
2023
In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity compliance, machine shops across the nation, including several in Colorado, have grappled with the formidable challenges posed by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. Recognizing the critical importance of adapting to these new requirements, MBK Machine, a stalwart in the industry

Massive Changes Result in Massive Results for Western Colorado Manufacturer

Reported Year
2023
Before coming to Valor, COO Jennifer Cleerdin spent 20 years working on contracts for the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security focused on compliance and operations, so she was surprised to discover the lack of basic infrastructure. A colleague at CCI had previously worked with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, part of

Deltech Furnaces Benefits from a Customized Export Plan

Reported Year
2023
Deltech’s export business has grown over the years from 2% of annual sales to 20%. Early sales were for standard products, but in recent years the sales have been primarily for custom designs and builds. Having benefited from assistance from Manufacturer’s Edge, part of the MEP National Network™, for the development of an ISO 9001:2015 program, an

But Wood It Work? A Colorado Couple Finds Success in Wood and Words

Reported Year
2023
Wordsmith Woodshop is the kind of small mom-and-pop company that specializes in handmade products that become family heirlooms, housewarming gifts, and table centerpieces. Despite the small-town feel, Wordsmith has attracted some large, noteworthy clients over the years. Several of their high-profile clients, in fact, boast household names (and

Geyser Systems: Making the Most of Every Drop of Water

Reported Year
2022
Ballesteros was intrigued by an accelerator program in Gunnison, Colorado, geared specifically toward supporting the outdoor industry and attracting companies to the Western Slope. He was selected as one of three companies to go through the program that year and, through the process, Geyser Systems was born and Ballesteros was introduced to