CAMT is an affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a national network of manufacturing assistance centers designed to strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by providing information, decision support, and implementation of innovative approaches focused on leveraging technologies, techniques, and business best practices. The MEP program was founded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce) in 1989. The Colorado MEP, then MAMTC, now CAMT, joined the MEP network in 1996.

Through training and consulting in Lean Manufacturing, Strategic Development, Quality Systems, and Growth Planning since 2000, CAMT has helped clients increase sales by over $47 million, decrease costs by over $18 million, and helped save or retain over 900 Colorado manufacturing jobs.

How do we know this? CAMT impact is measured through a quarterly survey of CAMT clients administered by the national NIST MEP headquarters. CAMT retains its affiliation with the national program only if stringent impact measurements are met each quarter.

"CAMT can help people like me-a small business owner in rural America with entrepreneurial drive, but without all the business and manufacturing background-tackle obstacles to success." -- Mark Eckhart, Owner

Mark Eckhart has achieved the dream of merging personal interests of adventure traveling with his work to form Long Haul Folding Kayaks. As a fireman in the 1980's and '90's, Mark hand made kayaking accessories and repaired folding kayaks on the side. By 1998 he made a full-time business of it, and added conducting kayaking trainings for the U.S. Army.

In 2001, Long Haul Folding Kayaks began manufacturing its own kayaks, not just accessories, to rival the primary kayak provider to the U.S. Army. In 2004, Long Haul Folding Kayaks secured a contract with the U.S. Army to manufacture 150 folding kayaks. Mark knew that to fulfill the contract, and manufacture over three times more product than average, he needed help. Long Haul Folding Kayaks was referred to Monty Rutherford of CAMT by the Grand Junction Small Business Development Center.

CAMT provided training in the principles of lean manufacturing, analyzed and implemented changes to the facility lay-out, and assisted in the identification of proper manufacturing equipment to cut manufacturing lead times. The facility lay-out was rearranged to better complement the flow of work, and three large pieces of manufacturing equipment were added to the shop floor: a conveyor system, a punching press, and a sanding jig. Previously, every task was completed manually: material was cut with scissors, sanded by hand and carried from station to station.

Long Haul Folding Kayaks was able to increase its production by over 300% and now has the capacity to fulfill large contracts. Since the initial U.S. Army contract, Long Haul has procured contracts from both the U.S. Navy and Marines, and is now in negotiations with foreign militaries. These changes also afforded the company the time to develop a new product line: sewn medical bags for the medical and emergency response industries.

Results:

• Fulfilled New Contract of $680,000
• Saved $8,000 in labor costs
• Increased productivity by over 300%

• Is cash flow a major concern for your business?
• Do you need gap financing?
• Is accessing commercial bank loans difficult?

The Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), is a non-profit business loan program founded in 1976 for the purpose of community and economic development. CEF's mission is to foster economic opportunity through business ownership for small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing them with business loans and technical assistance. CEF's loan programs are available Statewide, including urban, rural and suburban communities. CEF has helped over 680 businesses with loans valued at over $13.5 million.

CEF works with all types of businesses, including manufacturers, that have been overlooked by traditional lending sources, or whose needs are not fully met by their banking relationship. CEF loans range from $1,000 to $150,000, with an average loan size of about $30,000. Loan terms range from 6 months to 10 years, depending on the size of loan and use of the funds. Interest rates are slightly higher than bank rates, but within market standards for non-traditional lending programs.

Loan proceeds may be used for any business purpose, including purchase of business assets, working capital, property improvements, and purchase of an existing business. CEF finances start-ups, early stage and expanding businesses. Collateral and personal guarantees are required on every loan. CEF's underwriting process is individualized, taking into account personal and business circumstances that prevent the business from obtaining traditional financing from a bank.

For more information, visit the CEF Web site or contact microloans@coloradoenterprisefund.org.