Manufacturers will have access to industry veteran engineering consultants to develop personalized plans and strategies to bring their manufacturing operations and energy efficiencies up to cutting-edge standards and expand in the challenging global market through this special program available through the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire.

Redlands, CA: The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) has been awarded $410,000 through the Thrive Inland SoCal Catalyst Funding, a Regional Investment Initiative in partnership with California Jobs First, to advance manufacturing modernization across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The purpose of this grant is to strengthen and expand the Inland Empire’s manufacturing base through modernization, workforce upskilling, and supply-chain activation. The project will help regional manufacturers improve productivity, transition toward clean-technology production, and retain high-quality jobs that support long-term economic growth.

“MCIE is deeply grateful to Thrive Inland SoCal Catalyst and to the Inland Empire Growth Opportunity (IEGO) for their leadership in prioritizing manufacturing as a cornerstone of regional economic growth,” said Molly Burgess, Executive Director of MCIE.

The MCIE’s program will be conducted over a 9-month period while funding lasts and will unfold in two stages for participants. The first stage of the program will conduct free modernization and technical assessments and deliver modernization “roadmap” plans outlining a menu of opportunities, implementation strategies, and estimates on the financial benefits of undertaking any of the individual options. The second phase will support actual implementation of the efficiency improvements for a select number of firms with matching funds available. The MCIE will also host industry roundtables among hundreds of industry participants from across the region to promote collaboration and shared learning across the region.

Those interested in the program may learn more with a no-obligation 30-minute phone or online meeting to learn more about their operations and discuss how this process can be tailored specifically to their plants. Following this initial consultation, manufacturers moving forward with the program will have the opportunity to schedule a free 2–3 hour on-site assessment, with veteran industry engineering consultants, to review production efficiency, technology gaps, quality systems, energy use, workforce needs, market positioning, and access to incentives and capital resources. This assessment will then be used to generate a personalized efficiency roadmap.

Customized assessments and roadmaps can cost upwards of $10,000, but through the Catalyst Grant, these services are available at no cost to all manufacturers through August 2026.

“The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire is proud to bring this kind of value directly to manufacturers through the Catalyst Grant,” said Dr. Wallace Brithinee, Board President of MCIE. “Manufacturers rarely have access to no-cost support that delivers this level of measurable impact. These improvements will strengthen our regional supply chain and increase Inland Empire manufacturers’ profitability for years to come.”

For more information or to schedule a 30-minute introductory call, contact:
Sandra Sisco — ssisco@mfgcouncilie.com | Mobile: 951-264-0889

The Manufacturers’ Council (MCIE) represents manufacturers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Their efforts include promoting workforce development programs and policies for the region, as well as educating the public on the modern face of manufacturing in the region and the skilled trade opportunities that offer rewarding, high-wage careers.

MCIE’s membership comprises professionals, students, community members, and corporate leadership with interests in manufacturing in Inland Southern California.

Visit http://www.mfgcouncilie.com or our Linktree at linktr.ee/iemanufacturing for more information on careers, events, and membership.