JACKSON – The Mississippi Manufacturers Association – Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MMA-MEP), in partnership with Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension (CAVS-E) and AccelerateMS, has been awarded a federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to launch the Bringing Operational Optimization & Smart Technology to Mississippi (BOOST MS) Pilot Program. In total, the program represents a $1.4 million investment in Mississippi’s Appalachian counties, supported by federal funding along with contributions from AccelerateMS and industry partners.
The BOOST MS initiative will run from September 2025 through July 2027. It will directly support small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in Mississippi’s Appalachian counties by guiding them through the strategic adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. During this time, the program will provide in-depth assessments, develop customized Technology Transformation Roadmaps (TTRs), and deliver hands-on technical assistance to help manufacturers adopt automation, artificial intelligence, smart sensoring, predictive maintenance, and connected systems. The program targets 24 Appalachian counties, including, among others, Chickasaw, Kemper, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Winston, Yalobusha. The program will serve 25 manufacturers, train and coach more than 150 workers, and deliver measurable improvements in productivity, competitiveness, and workforce readiness.
MMA-MEP will serve as the lead organization, providing statewide coordination and outreach, ensuring that manufacturers in Appalachian counties can access these critical resources. “This ARC investment strengthens our ability to support manufacturers as they navigate the transition to Industry 4.0,” said MMA-MEP Executive Director Sandy Crist. “Through strong partnerships with CAVS-E and AccelerateMS, we are bringing innovation, training, and technology directly to Mississippi manufacturers, ensuring they remain competitive and resilient for years to come.”
CAVS-E will lead the technical delivery of the program, leveraging its nationally recognized expertise in advanced manufacturing, automation, data analytics, and industry-aligned training. Through its Experiential Learning Lab (C.E.L.L.) and the Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling Program (AiM UP) Labs located at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) and Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC), CAVS-E will provide manufacturers and their employees with the tools, skills, and guided training needed to integrate new technologies successfully and sustainably.
“The BOOST MS program represents a pivotal leap forward for Mississippi manufacturers,” said CAVS-E Director Dr. Tonya McCall. “By introducing advanced technologies such as automation, data analytics, and smart systems, we are equipping manufacturers with the technical skills and confidence necessary to transform their operations.
“This strategic deployment of Industry 4.0 will help drive productivity gains, strengthen the state’s competitive edge, and embed advanced manufacturing technologies into the core of Mississippi’s manufacturing ecosystem, driving a sustainable culture of innovation and growth.”
Central to BOOST MS is workforce development—building long-term capacity for Mississippi’s advanced manufacturing sector. With funding support from AccelerateMS and training delivered by MSU and community college partners in the ARC Region, workers will gain the cutting-edge skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers.
“The BOOST MS Pilot Program is a critical investment in Mississippi’s workforce,” said AccelerateMS Executive Director Dr. Courtney Taylor. “By combining advanced training with hands-on technology adoption, we are preparing workers for high-demand careers and ensuring our manufacturers have the skilled talent they need to thrive in an Industry 4.0 economy.”
For more information about the BOOST MS Pilot Program, contact:
Sandy Crist, MMA-MEP Executive Director
601-709-2921 or Sandy@mma-web.org
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For more than 70 years, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association has represented the interests of Mississippi’s manufacturers at both the state and national levels. As the Voice of Industry, MMA represents manufacturers in the Mississippi Legislature and U.S. Congress. MMA promotes a strong manufacturing environment within Mississippi and is a central source of information and assistance in industrial management. To learn more about MMA and manufacturing in Mississippi, please visit www.mma-web.org.