History The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA) was established in 2004 when a group of local manufacturers – including Cameco, Coveright, ESCO, GE Advanced Materials, Horizon Plastics, UniTrak, Weetabix, and Zircatec – decided to collaborate on education and skills training, share best practices, and promote high performance manufacturing within Northumberland County. In early 2004, the NMA met with several organizations from across the county – including chambers of commerce, economic development offices, and educational institutions – to share its vision for a vibrant and sustainable manufacturing sector. The NMA was quickly recognized as a driver of innovation and productivity, as well as a catalyst for economic development, within the region. With the financial and logistical support of two important organizations – Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC) and the Northumberland County Economic Development department – the NMA was able to hire a full-time Executive Director (ED). Since January 2005, the ED has worked in partnership with the Steering Committee to develop a business plan, implement a communications and marketing strategy, and recruit new members to the Association.