Aggie Park

Monday Lunch with Bill Rafferty '89

Join us Every Monday at Aggie Park for a time of Camaraderie

About the Speaker

Manager of the South Central Region of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), a Federally Supported Program Hosted by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI®)

Mr. Rafferty serves as Manager of the South Central Region of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC, www.tmac.swri.org), a federally supported program hosted by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI®). In this role, he leads a multidisciplinary team of manufacturing professionals providing affordable, hands-on technical assistance to manufacturers across Texas. Under his direction, TMAC supports companies in key areas including process improvement, quality systems, automation, cybersecurity, and product and process innovation—helping organizations improve competitiveness, productivity, and resilience.

TMAC is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and serves as a critical resource for small and mid-sized manufacturers seeking practical solutions and operational excellence. Southwest Research Institute (www.swri.org) is an independent, nonprofit applied research and development organization focused on the creation and transfer of technology. With a long-standing reputation for technical depth and industry partnership, SwRI hosts the TMAC South Central Region and supports its mission to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and economic growth throughout Texas. Through his leadership at TMAC, Mr. Rafferty plays a key role in connecting manufacturers with expertise, tools, and innovations that enable sustainable growth and long-term success.

About the Presentation

Why Manufacturing Matters

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing roughly $2.9 trillion to the GDP annually and employing over 12.5 million people. It drives innovation, accounting for over 60% of private sector R&D, while supporting millions of additional jobs through supply chain demand and providing high-wage, middle-class employment.