BOSTON, Mass. – The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) have awarded $540,473 to 20 Massachusetts-based manufacturers to upgrade their cybersecurity infrastructure. The grants were provided through the Manufacturing Cybersecurity Program (MCP), an initiative that supports small- to medium-sized manufacturers across Massachusetts with capital funding to secure and improve their cybersecurity infrastructure.
With the funds, participating companies will be able to invest in badge readers, network switches and security appliances such as firewalls to address gaps in security. As a result, awardees will be able to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and operate more efficiently.
“Protecting manufacturers from cybersecurity threats will ensure the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem remains safe, secure, and competitive,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “The MCP will empower manufacturers to grow and provide opportunities to access new markets while remaining protected from threats to their operations.”
Launched in 2023, the MCP is a Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program (MMAP) program that allows Massachusetts manufacturers to better protect their businesses by establishing a more secure cybersecurity framework. The program also connects manufacturers with nonprofit partners to foster an ecosystem of support and collaboration. These partnerships assist manufacturers with assessments, requirements, equipment acquisition and other cybersecurity needs. By investing in critical cybersecurity upgrades, MCP helps drive business growth, increases job opportunities and strengthens the supply chain.
“Through this program, CAM aims to not only help small and medium manufacturers grow, but also to become more resilient,” said CAM Director Lily Fitzgerald. “MCP enables manufacturers to invest in critical infrastructure while meeting customer demand. Overall, the program is essential for strengthening and securing the broader ecosystem here in Massachusetts."
Below are the grant recipients and grant totals:
• AccuRounds, Inc. located in Avon with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $14,346.
• Aimtek, Inc. located in Auburn with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Atech Turbine Components, Inc. located in Auburn with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Creative Materials, Inc. located in Ayer with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Falmouth Scientific located in Bourne with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $29,500.
• Gallagher Custom Machines and Automation located in Mattapoisett with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Governors America Corporation located in Agawam with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works, Inc. located in Lawrence with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Meridian Industrial Group, LLC located in Holyoke with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $26,326.
• North Easton Machine Co., Inc. located in Easton with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $28,801.
• Patriot Armored Systems, LLC located in Lee with nonprofit partner Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC): $30,000.
• Pendar Technologies located in Cambridge with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $26,677.
• RH Adhesives located in Acton with nonprofit partner MassHire Metro South/West: $30,000.
• Richards Design Inc. located in Falmouth with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Rock Valley Tool, LLC located in Easthampton with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $17,743.
• Sjogren Industries located in Worcester with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Solvus Global, LLC located in Worcester with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $30,000.
• Specialty Materials located in Lowell with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $25,679.
• Vaxess Technologies located in Cambridge with nonprofit partner MassMEP: $16,464.
Last month, CAM announced over $1 million to manufacturing projects across the state through its Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2), which bridges the gap between innovation and commercialization in hardtech manufacturing.
To be eligible for funding for MCP, manufacturers must partner with a higher education institution, non-profit or other public or quasi-public entity to promote collaboration and ecosystem growth. The application deadline for the next round of MCP funding is Friday, June 27.
Additional program details can be found here: https://cam.masstech.org/manufacturing-cybersecurity.
About the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech
The mission of the Massachusetts Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) is to foster the most complete, collaborative, and agile manufacturing ecosystem, to enable business growth from innovation through production. CAM is a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), a public economic development agency tasked with supporting business formation and growth in the Commonwealth’s tech and innovation sectors. CAM provides a path for manufacturing growth through a connected, accessible ecosystem that supports innovation, workforce development and a business-friendly environment. CAM managed programs include the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2), the MassBridge manufacturing training program, and the massmakes.org portal. Learn more at https://cam.masstech.org/.
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