M & M Manufacturing in Lajas, Puerto Rico
Is a private company established in 2011 by its President, María Meléndez. M & M Manufacturing manufactures military uniforms.
The Puerto Rico Federal Contracting Center (FeCC) offered specialized guidance on how to identify federal contracting opportunities, complete the basic business requirements and advice on the how to get a Woman Owned Small Business certification. FeCC helped them to develop business promotional material aligned to the federal market and to organize meetings with DLA Troop Support buyers, main clothing buying center of the Department of Defense. During her meeting with these buyers in 2012, María Meléndez promoted her business’s ability to perform federal contract products.
As a result of the high level of commitment, dedication and discipline shown by M & M Manufacturing in conjunction with technical and specialized assistance offered by the FeCC, the company acquired its first direct contract with the Department of Defense. The $ 3.3 million contract awarded in 2013 for the manufacture of gloves also created 40 direct jobs.
“The Puerto Rico Federal Contracting Center commitment has been important to structure a solid basis to compete in the military market. It helped us establish a clear path that has guided us through the whole process.” María Meléndez, President M&M Manufacturing.