Stephens County Company Among First 24 Contracts in Commerce’s Manufacturing Reboot Program

May 15, 2020

Southern Machine Works, Inc / Special to The Banner

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday joined the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) in announcing the first 24 companies that have signed contracts as participants in the Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program. Launched on April 10, the program was created to address the negative effects COVID-19 has had on Oklahoma businesses, specifically manufacturers.

Companies with contracts from Stephens County include Southern Machine Works, Inc., of Duncan, which specializes in advanced manufacturing.

“Oklahoma businesses across the state have stepped up in response to this historic pandemic and developed innovative ways to support their communities, and now it is our turn to give back,” Stitt said. “The Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program will help meet a critical need for Oklahoma companies, while also creating more job opportunities for Oklahomans during this difficult time.”

The program utilizes $5 million from the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund to assist Oklahoma manufacturers as they retool to develop new products and/or expand current capabilities.

Following the announcement of the creation of the program, Boeing decided to forgo previously awarded funds of $1 million from the Governor's Quick Action Closing Fund to make those moneys available for the new Manufacturing Reboot Program. Boeing, which has operations located throughout Oklahoma, determined that these funds could be better served to help small businesses in the state work through this pandemic, according to Nancy Anderson, Boeing vice president of Aircraft Modernization and Modification.

“Boeing is committed to supporting our community and small businesses with COVID-19 recovery and relief efforts,” Anderson said. “Forgoing this $1 million payment in favor of redistribution to the community and small businesses is one way we can help our community partners and Oklahoma remain strong.”

Oklahoma manufacturing companies with NAICS codes 311111-339999 with projects that are a net benefit to the state were eligible to apply. Priority was given to companies producing products for the healthcare industry such as medical devices, personal protection equipment or pharmaceuticals, according to Sean Kouplen, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce & Workforce Development. 

“The projects submitted by these Oklahoma companies were impressive and will help spur our economy and the manufacturing industry forward,” Kouplen said. “With one-third of these projects focused on keeping our healthcare providers safe, we are also increasing our preparedness as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis.”

Awarded funds can be used for purchase of machinery, purchase of CAD/CAM equipment or software, payroll and/or training for new and/or existing employees. Participating businesses will be required to provide quarterly reports verifying employment levels and expenditures.

As additional contracts are signed, they will be listed at: https://www.okcommerce.gov/reboot