Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Program to Strengthen Kansas’ Manufacturing Supply Chain

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the official launch of CONNEX™ Kansas, a new program from Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) and the Kansas Department of Commerce, designed to strengthen the Kansas manufacturing supply chain.

CONNEX™ Kansas is an online manufacturer database and connectivity platform provided as a free resource for Kansas manufacturers. The platform is designed to allow manufacturers in Kansas to connect with each other, find local and domestic suppliers, explore production capabilities and manage their supply chain.

“The Kansas Framework for Growth recognizes manufacturing as an area of strength for the state. It focuses on ways Kansas can embrace emerging opportunities and solidify our role as a manufacturing leader and central hub for 21^st century supply-chain success,” Governor Kelly said. “The CONNEX™ Kansas platform will bolster our local and regional supply chains by allowing firms to see a clearer picture of local resources or alternative suppliers that can lead to more informed decisions and more profitable sourcing strategies.”

“Manufacturing is an essential backbone for the Kansas economy. Supply chain disruption has created an opportunity for firms to build and source products closer to home,” Lieutenant Governor David Toland said. “I applaud the launch of this new resource for Kansas manufacturers, which will help empower firms with the data and tools they need to seize this moment to grow and scale up as the demand presents itself.”

Basic search and contact information for Kansas manufacturers will be available to anyone on the platform; however, the ability to list detailed information, perform in-depth searches and exchange information is only available to registered Kansas manufacturing businesses.

“Our CONNEX™ Kansas online database is a powerful new tool for Kansas manufacturers,” Tiffany Stovall, CEO of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, said. “Over the past year, we’ve seen how critical it is to have secure and reliable supply chains, as well as having ready access to alternate suppliers. This database will be unique in its ability to identify manufacturing capabilities, not just current production.”

The CONNEX™ Kansas platform is easy to use and intuitive, and an account can be set up in a few minutes. To register or get more information, visit www.connexks.com.

About Kansas Manufacturing Solutions

Kansas Manufacturing Solutions is a Kansas statewide manufacturing assistance center affiliated with the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Kansas Manufacturing Solutions helps Kansas manufacturing compete and grow by delivering solutions to small and medium sized manufacturers and is the only advisor focused solely on this industry in Kansas with value driven results.  Learn more at our website, www.wearekms.com.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, nationwide and worldwide. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new business.