PEKO Announces Strategic Partnership with FORGE

(1888 PressRelease) Relationship designed to help innovators bring their products to market.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - PEKO Precision Products, Inc. is furthering its support of startups through a partnership with FORGE. FORGE is a nonprofit that aims to help innovators navigate the journey from physical prototype through to commercial scale and impact by supporting manufacturing and providing access to regional supplier resources.

As part of the relationship, FORGE will connect right-fit innovators to PEKO for manufacturing and commercialization of their hardware, machinery or equipment. Specifically, FORGE will work to understand a business’ needs and make introductions to PEKO when there is compatibility and the basis for a mutually-beneficial relationship. To further its awareness among FORGE innovators, PEKO will also take part in FORGE-hosted events throughout the year and showcase its value to innovators as their engineering and manufacturing arm.

“A lot of new companies have knowledge, technical and manufacturing gaps when it comes to making and scaling their physical products,” said PEKO’s New England Account Executive Bill Melvin. “Most of the companies we work with don’t want to or don’t intend on ever having their own manufacturing plants. FORGE will help us connect with innovators so we can work together effectively to increase their readiness.”

As a forward-thinking manufacturer, PEKO will work collaboratively with innovative companies to provide full-service support to bring their innovative products to market. These include:

? Development/prototypes

? Contract manufacturing services

? Precision parts and assemblies

“By connecting innovators to suppliers like PEKO, we’re empowering regional production and supporting the successful scaling of innovative products,” explained FORGE’s Director of Regional Initiatives Adam Rodrigues. “We’re thrilled to have PEKO as one of our high-quality and trustworthy resources to help drive a self-fueling ecosystem of innovation.”

To learn more about PEKO, visit pekoprecision.com.

ABOUT PEKO — Founded in 1966 as a precision tool fabricator, PEKO has grown into a multi-faceted advanced center for technology development and product commercialization. Today, from its expansive manufacturing space in Rochester, NY, PEKO offers a full suite of services to completely supports defense OEMs’ products, from engineering and manufacturing development to full-rate production. Learn more at pekoprecision.com.

ABOUT FORGE — Headquartered in Somerville, MA, FORGE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that addresses crucial gaps and accelerates path to market for startups making physical products by making right-fit introductions to industry expertise combined with the training and support needed to ensure readiness for the connections to be productive. To learn more, visit forgemass.org.

 
This press release announces a strategic partnership between PEKO Precision Products, Inc., a contract manufacturer, and FORGE, a non-profit organization, aimed at supporting innovators and startups in bringing their physical products to market.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

  • Purpose: The relationship is designed to help innovators navigate the complex journey from developing a "physical prototype through to commercial scale and impact."
  • FORGE's Role:FORGE will act as a connector, understanding the specific manufacturing needs of "right-fit innovators" and making introductions to PEKO when there's a strong compatibility for manufacturing and commercialization of their "hardware, machinery or equipment." FORGE's mission is to accelerate the path to market for physical innovations through product development, manufacturing, and supply chain-focused education and connections, preparing both innovators and suppliers to scale production and work together effectively.

  • PEKO's Role:PEKO will serve as the "engineering and manufacturing arm" for these innovators. As a "forward-thinking manufacturer," PEKO offers full-service support, including:
    • Development/prototypes
    • Contract manufacturing services
    • Precision parts and assemblies
  • Addressing Startup Challenges: Bill Melvin, PEKO’s New England Account Executive, highlights a common pain point for new companies: "A lot of new companies have knowledge, technical and manufacturing gaps when it comes to making and scaling their physical products." He notes that most startups don't intend to own their manufacturing plants, making this partnership crucial for increasing their "readiness." Challenges for startups in physical product manufacturing often include high early production costs, lack of technical expertise, difficulties in scaling, and managing complex supply chains.
  • Empowering Regional Production: Adam Rodrigues, FORGE’s Director of Regional Initiatives, emphasizes that by "connecting innovators to suppliers like PEKO, we’re empowering regional production and supporting the successful scaling of innovative products." This fosters a "self-fueling ecosystem of innovation."
  • Engagement: PEKO will participate in FORGE-hosted events to increase its visibility and showcase its value to the innovator community.
About the Organizations:

  • PEKO Precision Products, Inc.: Founded in 1966, PEKO is an "advanced center for technology development and product commercialization" based in Rochester, NY. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including engineering and manufacturing development to full-rate production, supporting various industries, including defense OEMs.
  • FORGE: Headquartered in Somerville, MA, FORGE is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Its mission is to bridge crucial gaps for startups making physical products by providing "right-fit introductions to industry expertise combined with the training and support needed to ensure readiness for the connections to be productive."
In essence, this partnership creates a streamlined pathway for hardware startups, leveraging FORGE's matchmaking capabilities and PEKO's extensive manufacturing expertise to overcome common commercialization hurdles and accelerate product launch.
 
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