ANSWERING THE CALL: MD MEP AND COMMERCE LAUNCH MARYLAND NETWORK SUPPLIER PORTAL TO CONNECT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS WITH BUYERS

We hope that all of you are well and are continuing to adjust and adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on business and life. We have heard from many of you who have been seriously impacted through this pandemic, including those of you who have had to suspend operations completely, and those who have experienced disruptions to your workforce, supply chain, and customer base. Our team at MD MEP is continuing our efforts to support the manufacturing community and provide information and resources to help you through these uncertain times.

But in addition to the challenges our industry is facing, we have also been overwhelmed by the incredible response we have received from manufacturers who are stepping up to contribute in this great time of need. Time and again, Maryland’s manufacturing community has shown its willingness to leverage its skills, expertise, and capability to support the growing critical supply chain needs and shortages presented by the virus.

To support this effort, we have partnered with the Maryland Department of Commerce to launch the Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal. This website is designed to connect those of you who have proven your ability to quickly produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other critical and essential items with buyers in need, including healthcare systems, local emergency management agencies, and other essential companies.

To take advantage of the Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal:

  • Suppliers: If you haven’t already, please visit our SUPPLIERS page and complete our form to tell us which critical and essential items you are able to produce quickly.
  • Buyers: Please visit our BUYERS page to quickly and easily search our network for suppliers who are able to fill your critical need. If you do not see the item(s) you need, please submit a buying request and our team will do our best to actively find suppliers in Maryland and elsewhere capable of meeting your needs in a timely manner.

Finally, when you visit the Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal you will also find incredible stories of Maryland manufacturers who have successfully altered their operations to produce these critical items – both to meet our State’s unprecedented need and to keep their businesses moving. Hopefully, these stories will remind you just how fortunate we are to live in a state with such a dynamic and passionate manufacturing community that contributes so much to our economy and to make the activities of our everyday lives possible.

While this pandemic is certainly testing us all, we are confident that the Maryland manufacturing community will once again prove our strength and resiliency as we navigate this challenging time together.

For questions about the Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal, or other resources for Maryland manufacturers during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact MD MEP at 443-343-0085 or info@mdmep.org.