State Awards More Than $540,000 to Boost Cybersecurity for Manufacturers
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) have awarded $540,473 to 20 Massachusetts-based manufacturers to upgrade their cybersecurity infrastructure. The grants were provided through the Manufacturing Cybersecurity Program (MCP), an initiative that supports small to medium-sized manufacturers across Massachusetts with capital funding to secure and improve their cybersecurity infrastructure.
With the funds, participating companies will be able to invest in badge readers, network switches, and security appliances such as firewalls to address gaps in security. As a result, awardees will be able to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and operate more efficiently.
“Protecting manufacturers from cybersecurity threats will ensure the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem remains safe, secure, and competitive,” Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said. “The MCP will empower manufacturers to grow and provide opportunities to access new markets while remaining protected from threats to their operations.”
Launched in 2023, the MCP is a Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program program that allows Massachusetts manufacturers to better protect their businesses by establishing a more secure cybersecurity framework. The program also connects manufacturers with nonprofit partners to foster an ecosystem of support and collaboration. These partnerships assist manufacturers with assessments, requirements, equipment acquisition, and other cybersecurity needs. By investing in critical cybersecurity upgrades, MCP helps drive business growth, increases job opportunities, and strengthens the supply chain.
“Through this program, CAM aims to not only help small and medium manufacturers grow, but also to become more resilient,” CAM Director Lily Fitzgerald said. “MCP enables manufacturers to invest in critical infrastructure while meeting customer demand. Overall, the program is essential for strengthening and securing the broader ecosystem here in Massachusetts.”
Four of the grant recipients are based in Western Mass.:
• $30,000 to Governors America Corp. of Agawam, with nonprofit partner MassMEP;
• $26,326 to Meridian Industrial Group LLC of Holyoke, with nonprofit partner MassMEP;
• $30,000 to Patriot Armored Systems LLC of Lee, with nonprofit partner Berkshire Innovation Center; and
• $17,743 to Rock Valley Tool LLC of Easthampton, with nonprofit partner MassMEP.
Last month, CAM announced more than $1 million to manufacturing projects across the state through its Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, which bridges the gap between innovation and commercialization in hardtech manufacturing.
To be eligible for funding for MCP, manufacturers must partner with a higher-education institution, nonprofit, or other public or quasi-public entity to promote collaboration and ecosystem growth. The application deadline for the next round of MCP funding is June 27.
