KRS 154.12-274: Legislative intent -- Requirement that cabinet support

modernization, increase, and improvement in the Commonwealth's

production process -- Cabinet to contract with Kentucky Manufacturing

Assistance Center.

(1) As used in this section, "cluster" shall have the same meaning as in KRS

164.6011.

(2) It is the intention of the General Assembly to recognize that a strong

manufacturing base for the economy of the Commonwealth requires not only

modernization of the production process but also an increase in the number of

products developed, so that through the creation of new product lines,

additional value-added products, and new manufacturing methods the

economy will grow and quality job opportunities will increase. The Cabinet for

Economic Development shall support this intention through its authority in KRS

154.12-050.

(3) The Cabinet for Economic Development shall enter into contracts or

agreements with the Kentucky Manufacturing Assistance Center, a nonprofit

organization with the mission to assist Kentucky small and medium-size

manufacturers to become more competitive in the global marketplace. The

contracts or agreements shall require the Kentucky Manufacturing Assistance

Center to undertake the following activities:

(a) Negotiate contractual agreements with existing manufacturers to deliver

modernization services that are likely to lead to the creation of new

product lines, additional value-added products, and new manufacturing

methods;

(b) Deliver engineering, technical, and business improvement services in

Kentucky manufacturing facilities, through the network of Kentucky

Technology Service locations in the state, that lead to the development of

new product lines, additional value-added products, and new

manufacturing methods;

(c) Coordinate services for and support the activities of Kentucky

manufacturers that need additional projects, activities, and expertise

beyond those available through the Kentucky Manufacturing Assistance

Center;

(d) Promote, along with other economic development entities, the

development of supplier chains, the linkages among suppliers, and the

growth of clusters within the Commonwealth; and

(e) Provide to the Cabinet for Economic Development a report of the

advances made in the manufacturing modernization projects initiated.