The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is a not-for-profit center created in 1995 to assist Vermont manufacturers. The mission of VMEC is "To improve manufacturing in Vermont." This is accomplished by providing unbiased, one-on-one assistance and training to help manufacturers improve operations, modernize processes, increase productivity, introduce new technologies, reduce costs, and improve their competitiveness. VMEC staff members are hands-on implementers of complete manufacturing solutions. Confidential assistance is provided on a reasonable fee-for-service basis.

VMEC services are provided through specially trained Manufacturing Business Advisors and specialists that are experts in manufacturing. When necessary, VMEC has easy access to additional public and private resources located in Vermont or from around the nation. When outside experts are used, VMEC generally assumes project management responsibilities. VMEC is affiliated with the nationwide Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

VMEC is hosted on the campus of Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center and has field offices located at the Regional Development Corporation Offices in Burlington, Rutland, and Springfield. VMEC operates as a public-private partnership whose primary Vermont stakeholders and partners include the Vermont State Colleges (through Vermont Technical College), the State of Vermont (through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development), and the Vermont Technology Council. VMEC has an Advisory Board comprised of Vermont manufacturers representing different industry sectors, plus other leaders with a strong interest in improving manufacturing.