Episode 16: Strengthening National Security: North Carolina’s Important Role in Defense Manufacturing w/Michael Mullins​

This week, Matt sat down with the Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, Michael Mullins, out of North Carolina State University’s Industry Expansion Solutions to talk about North Carolina’s integral role in national manufacturing; defense, textiles and more. As lead of defense initiatives with NC’s MEP Center, Mullins has an expansive view on how the state leverages its historical strengths in textiles to meet modern defense needs with the help of the MEP and driven by long-time and new manufacturing outfits. 

Mullins stresses the importance of a strong communication strategy to ensure small manufacturers are aware of the resources available to aid their growth and sustainability, and on the host of warm potential partnerships across academia, workforce ,state and local government and more to build a resilient manufacturing ecosystem capable of responding to national needs. To Mullins, a former Marine and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, adaptability and responsiveness are key qualities of an effective manufacturing ecosystem to deliver value to its manufacturers. Thanks Michael for joining Manufacturing an American Century! 

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AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Michael Mullins, Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, North Carolina State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)
• Matt Bogoshian, Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Ecosystem Building: North Carolina’s approach to building a manufacturing support ecosystem involves collaboration across various stakeholders to strengthen the regional manufacturing base.
• Federal and State Partnerships: The state works closely with federal programs and leverages state-specific initiatives to enhance the defense manufacturing capabilities of local businesses.
• Focus on Small Manufacturers: There is a significant focus on aiding small manufacturers, which are vital to the defense supply chain and local economies.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Learn more about NCSU’s Industry Expansion Solutions MEP Center.
• Find Michael on Linkedin.

• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.
• Visit our website.