SAN FRANCISCO, CA - October 20, 2008 - The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex), a leading provider of advisory and implementation solutions to manufacturers, distributors, and their suppliers, has been awarded a $1.5 million contract by the California Employment Training Panel (ETP). This contract provides Manex clients with immediate and simplified access to funds to offset the cost of providing employees with the advanced skills required to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

This marks Manex's ninth consecutive ETP contract, under which it will develop customized workforce development and training solutions for its clients. Manex's solutions are designed to ensure workforces are skilled in the latest manufacturing methods and technologies, and to enable innovation and success in today's global economy. With relatively high labor costs and significant out-of-state and international competition, California manufacturers and distributors must seek ways to compete on productivity, product superiority, quality, and responsiveness to customer needs. These competitive pressures put a high premium on the skills, morale, and commitment of employees.

"As competitive pressures continue to increase in this challenging economic environment, it has become even more critical to help manufacturers enhance the skills of their workforce and strengthen their competitive position,' said Brent Meyers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manex. "This contract underscores our commitment to workforce development solutions and to our unique public-private mission to deliver high-value, cost-effective solutions to small and mid-size manufacturers that significantly improve all facets of their business performance.'

Companies interested in exploring workforce development, training and ETP funding opportunities should contact Manex at etp@manexconsulting.com.

About Manex
Founded in 1995, The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex) provides a broad array of proven advisory and implementation solutions exclusively to manufacturers, distributors and their supply chains, enabling them to increase growth, productivity, quality and profitability. Manex delivers high-impact solutions in four key areas: strategy, people, process and performance. Meaningful, rapid impact and ROI are achieved through a modular-yet-holistic approach encompassing corporate strategy and planning, marketing strategy, training and development, Lean manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, Six Sigma, ISO, and performance management systems.

For more information, visit www.manexconsulting.com.

About California Employment Training Panel (ETP)
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a business- and labor-supported state agency that assists employers in strengthening their competitive edge by providing funds to offset the costs of job skills training necessary to maintain high-performance workplaces.

For more information, visit http://www.etp.ca.gov/.