HUNTINGTON -- The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing has been awarded state funds to enhance its 21st Century Manufacturing Network, designed to assist West Virginia manufacturers and entrepreneurs in creating new jobs.

The automated improvements will be funded in part with a $29,930 grant from the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's Broadband Mapping Technical Assistance Initiative.

"Geography is a real barrier for West Virginia businesses located in isolated, rural areas," Charlotte Weber, RCBI's director and CEO said in a press release. "They don't have easy access to industrial clusters, educational opportunities and business development resources that are available elsewhere."

In an effort to help erase the barrier, RCBI created its 21st Century Manufacturing Network, which electronically links nearly 560 businesses with technical assistance, bid opportunities that involve relevant prime contracts, skills training and other manufacturing and business resources. Participation in the RCBI 21ST Century Manufacturing Network is available at no cost.

Now RCBI also will add the real-time interaction that 21st Century businesses demand, Weber said.

"This will give users the ability to automatically 'connect the dots' for synergistic opportunities in manufacturing, product development, innovation and networking, as well as increased access to online training," she said in the release.

For more information about RCBI's automated, interactive network, call 800-469-RCBI or log on www.21stmanufacturing.org.

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