If you were asked to name a state with a strong manufacturing sector, Montana might not be the first to come to mind. Historically, however, the state has built and maintained a foundation of successful manufacturing enterprises, dating back to the large mineral and resource extraction companies of the 19th century. Over time, the sector has grown to more than 5000 businesses producing highly diversified goods, including recreational gear, specialty food and beverages, and advanced technologies like rapidly growing photonics and quantum clusters. With the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in Big Sky country, many small and medium manufacturers are working hard to start, grow, or improve their businesses. When they face challenges along the way, the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center offers expertise and assistance to keep their enterprises moving forward. A 40-year Collaboration of University, Federal, and State Partners MMEC grew from a tiny University Technical Assistance Program in Montana State University’s College of Engineering in the mid-1980s. “UTAP started with one Engineering Professor who served as Director, one administrative assistant, and four part-time graduate students who went out to manufacturing companies to assist with short-term engineering, operations, and management projects,” said MMEC Director Paddy Fleming; “But the basic …