New nonprofit continues a 33-year legacy of technical assistance, workforce development, and operational excellence across the state

Roadmap 4 Innovation (R4I), a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announced its official launch today to ensure continued access to critical technical assistance, training, and business support for California manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

For 33 years, California’s manufacturers relied on the state’s federally funded Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for essential guidance in operations, workforce development, compliance, and growth. When that federal funding sunset, California faced a transition in how its long-standing infrastructure would be sustained. In response, Roadmap 4 Innovation was created to ensure manufacturers continue to have access to trusted expertise and support.

R4I builds on the legacy of California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC), the former California MEP Center, and brings forward a new leadership team with more than 60 years of combined experience helping manufacturers adapt, grow, and compete in today’s increasingly complex business environment. That foundation enables the R4I team to continue equipping manufacturers with the tools they need to thrive, including a renewed focus on building a workforce-of-the-future model that creates a reliable, scalable pipeline of job-ready and future-ready manufacturing talent across the state.

“Manufacturers across California are facing unprecedented challenges — from supply chain disruptions and compliance pressures to workforce shortages and rapid technological change,” said R4I CEO Kim Manss. “Roadmap 4 Innovation exists to ensure that manufacturers of all sizes continue to have access to trusted expertise, practical solutions, and cost-effective support so that they can thrive in today’s ever-evolving business and industry landscape.”

Serving the Full Spectrum of Manufacturing

Manufacturing in California is broad and diverse, encompassing traditional factories; agricultural and construction-related production; and countless small makers such as bakeries, sewing shops, signage and embroidery companies, and specialty fabricators. R4I serves manufacturers at every stage of growth, tailoring support to each organization’s unique needs.

Core Focus Areas

Roadmap 4 Innovation delivers targeted, measurable services across the following core areas:

• Strategic Planning & Growth Alignment to help manufacturers set clear priorities, align operations and workforce strategies with business goals, and plan for sustainable growth in a changing market
• Operational Best Practices & Efficiencies to improve productivity, strengthen operations, and ensure long-term viability
• Compliance Readiness including quality systems, proactive safety programs, cybersecurity compliance for Aerospace & Defense, and human resources program development
• Workforce Training to enhance employee productivity, support cross-training, and reduce hiring and onboarding costs
• Workforce Attraction & Retention Support to help manufacturers strengthen their teams and expand economic opportunity in their communities
• Supply Chain Strengthening through compliance expertise, production efficiencies, and performance metrics for continuous improvement

A Mission-Driven Approach to Innovation and Growth

As a mission-driven nonprofit, Roadmap 4 Innovation empowers small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to develop the strategies and tactics they need in order to strengthen operations, create and retain quality jobs, and enhance competitiveness statewide. R4I combines proven best practices developed over decades with a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, community impact, and workforce systems that align education, training, and industry needs — working with SMMs to drive success together across California’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Mission: To guide California manufacturers through innovation and transformation, delivering sustainable solutions that enhance competitiveness, empower employees, and build resilient businesses prepared for the future.

Vision: To create a statewide ecosystem where every manufacturer — regardless of size, location, or resources — has access to the expertise, technology, and partnerships needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

For more information about Roadmap 4 Innovation and its services, visit https://www.roadmap4innovation.com.

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“Roadmap 4 Innovation exists to ensure that manufacturers of all sizes continue to have access to trusted expertise, practical solutions, and cost-effective support so that they can thrive in today’s ever-evolving business and industry landscape.”