Cedar Knolls, NJ – NJ Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NJMEP), in cooperation with Attentive Energy, introduced the New Jersey Manufacturing Assessment & Offshore Wind Readiness Gap Analysis at the NJMEP Made in NJ Manufacturing conference held last week in Freehold. This assessment, a supplement to the briefer Offshore Wind Readiness Gap Analysis, offers a deeper dive into manufacturers’ strengths and gaps and now includes a new feature, the Supplier Qualification Roadmap. This roadmap provides small- to medium-sized NJ companies with a detailed view on how they can get involved in the offshore wind (OSW) sector.

The roadmap lays out, step-by-step, how to become an OSW supplier and benefit from the growing need for offshore, clean wind energy.

The assessment the partners conducted delved deep into the manufacturing capabilities of 18 New Jersey companies that could likely serve the offshore wind market, uncovering capabilities, strengths, personnel training needs, and equipment upgrade requirements. Key highlights of the assessment included:

• Evaluations of strengths, existing capabilities, connections with the maritime sector, willingness to upskill, grant funding opportunities, and employment opportunities for underserved communities. Gaps and hurdles were also identified including equipment upgrade, OSHA safety training, staffing, and certification needs.
• Findings, including that 66% of the companies surveyed required targeted funding for process or technology upgrades, are especially crucial for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises (SMWVBEs) lacking resources. Identified equipment upgrades costs ranged from $40,000 to $150,000, while staff training costs spanned $6,000-$31,000 per worker.

The analysis provided context for actionable recommendations on the part of industry, government, and the economic development community. The new Roadmap provides information to help NJ businesses overcome hurdles in business development, grant access, staff training, and procurement with private companies by providing best practices and success stories.

“Our mission with the Roadmap is to showcase the existing strengths of New Jersey’s manufacturing industry and the support networks available for small-to-mid size diverse businesses could use to become a supplier for offshore wind projects.” said Christen Wittman, Vice President Project Development for Attentive Energy. “Since the initial release of the gap analysis, our on-the-ground team has been focused on better understanding the experience of the small business owner and their hurdles in business development, grant access, and procurement with private companies. We believe it is important to work proactively to share information and provide support for New Jersey businesses to cover their qualification readiness gaps to be able to take advantage of this huge opportunity,” she added.

“We’re proud to partner with Attentive Energy Two on this critical initiative to integrate New Jersey manufacturers into the renewable energy supply chain. NJMEP is committed to ensuring that our state’s manufacturers have the resources, training, and connections needed to support the wind energy sector, helping to strengthen both the local economy and our renewable energy future,” said NJMEP CEO, Peter C Connolly.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is working towards 100% clean energy by 2035, a goal that cannot be accomplished without our business and manufacturing communities,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The New Jersey Manufacturing Assessment & Offshore Wind Readiness Gap Analysis is crucial to businesses looking to enter the offshore wind industry. Through targeted workforce training and business assistance programs, we can ensure that we have a qualified workforce and local supply chain that meets the needs of the industry and the burgeoning green economy.”

“MESYS is uniquely positioned to support New Jersey’s offshore wind sector, with a particular focus on helping the Attentive Energy Supply Chain. With over 80 years of experience manufacturing critical equipment for the U.S. military’s nuclear propulsion systems on aircraft carriers and submarines, MESYS is ready to apply its deep expertise to the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry,” said Harry Epstein, CEO of MESYS.  

“ZAGO is fully equipped and prepared to support the growing offshore wind supply chain in New Jersey. Our sealing fasteners are currently being used in offshore wind projects in Europe and Canada. We are DFARS, REACH, RoHS and ISO 9001 compliant. As a small, certified WBE (Woman Business Enterprise) with a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing and a commitment to innovation, we are positioned to contribute to the development and production of key components for offshore wind projects. Leveraging our expertise in automation, lean practices, and high-reliability manufacturing, we are ready to collaborate with industry partners to meet the demands of this emerging sector and play a critical role in driving New Jersey’s clean energy goals forward. ZAGO products are Made in USA, BABA compliant and manufactured at our headquarters in Newark, NJ,” said Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, CEO of ZAGO.  

“Warfighter Oil, SDVOSB, is a qualified DoD contract manufacturer of lubricants, grease and oils. Warfighter Oil’s biodegradable products have MoS2 (molly) suspended at 25 ppm, are USDA certified. These renewable, sustainable, no-hazmat-chemical lubricants support the growing offshore wind supply chain in New Jersey. With a focus on sustainability and high-quality products, the company is well-positioned to meet the demands of this rapidly expanding industry. As New Jersey advances its clean energy goals, Warfighter Oil is committed to partnering with key players in driving offshore wind development,” said Charles Fulforth IV, CEO Warfighter Oil.  

As New Jersey continues to pave the way for renewable energy innovation, each contract secured by local businesses represents a milestone in the state’s journey toward a sustainable future.

ABOUT NJMEP

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NJMEP) is a private, not-for-profit organization that improves the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey’s manufacturers. Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP enables organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance. For more than 20 years, NJMEP has used its extensive network of connections and proven track record of success to help manufacturers adapt to the latest innovative technologies and best practices to realize more than $7.6 billion in value.

ABOUT ATTENTIVE ENERGY

Attentive Energy is a local offshore wind company that has been actively developing clean energy across New York and New Jersey since 2018. Attentive is building upon the recently awarded Attentive Energy Two Project, which is designed to help New Jersey meet its nation-leading offshore wind targets and will strengthen and expand upon the State’s foundational offshore wind investments. Attentive Energy Two is developing a holistic offshore wind project, that will create economic opportunities statewide reaching all 21 counties. For more information, please visit www.attentiveenergy.com.