Finds that a viable manufacturing industry is critical to providing the state economy with family-wage jobs and improving the quality of life for workers and communities. To perform in the emerging global marketplace, Washington manufacturers must master new technologies, streamline production processes, improve quality assurance, expand environmental compliance, and enhance methods of work organization. Only through modernization techniques, reflecting the specific needs and capabilities of the individual firms, can Washington manufacturers both compete successfully in the market of the future and pay good living wages.

Finds that most small and midsize manufacturers do not have the resources that will allow them to easily access modernization technical assistance and the skills training needed to make them globally competitive. Because of the statewide public benefit to be gained from increasing the availability of modernization services, it is the intent of the legislature to create a new mechanism in a manner that reduces the up-front costs of these services for small and midsize manufacturing firms. It is further the intent of the legislature that Washington state increase its support for the manufacturing extension program, to expand the delivery of modernization services to small and midsize Washington manufacturers, and to leverage federal funding and private resources devoted to such efforts.