The Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at The University of Southern Mississippi has completed a rebranding process, which includes the recent launch of its new website (http://www.usm.edu/mpi/).

    “The staff has been working harder than ever at supporting businesses all over the state. We have invested in new technologies and enhanced staff expertise, and have brought those capabilities to bear for MS business,” said MPI Director Dr. Bryan Brister. “We wanted to communicate these capabilities more clearly, and ensure our marketing materials convey the energized spirit of the team.”

    MPI was established in 1993 with a goal of growing high-tech polymer and polymer-related industries in the state. Serving as the industrial outreach arm of the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at The University of Southern Mississippi, MPI has played a key role in growing the state’s multibillion-dollar-per-year high-tech polymer industry, and has directly assisted in the creation of more than 14,000 direct jobs and greater than $2.8 billion in direct capital investment.

    “While MPI is a proud part of USM, our mission is truly statewide,” said Brister. “We have a hunter’s mentality towards technology development — we spend a lot of time on the road, all over the state, hunting for opportunities to support existing businesses, and working with economic development agencies at every level to attract and grow new businesses.”

    While MPI’s primary focus is supporting growth of high-tech businesses within Mississippi, MPI performs contracted work for companies worldwide. Projects were completed in the past year for companies in Germany, Norway and Denmark.

    MPI’s areas of expertise include 3D printing and laser scanning, contract research and development, testing services, and operational competitiveness training.