How Does LIMEP Define Success?
- The growth of Long Island manufacturing companies
- The success of Long Island regional manufacturing support partners
- Quantifiable economic impact seen through NYSTAR reporting and NIST surveys
Featured Success Stories
Aetna Forwarding Becomes Long Island's First Manufacturer to Achieve CMMC Level 2- Through Strategic Collaboration with LIMEP and Stony Brook University
Throughout their journey, Aetna Forwarding partnered with Amy Erickson, Executive Director of the Long Island Manufacturing Extension Partnership (LIMEP), to navigate complex certification requirements. Through LIMEP’s CMMC Supplier Cybersecurity Training, consultant vetting, and cost-share funding programs, Aetna gained access to expert resources and guidance that streamlined the process. “Working with LIMEP opened doors,” said Chief Technology Officer Anthony DePaola. “We connected with experts, learned from others going through the same process, and used available resources to offset costs. Don’t miss that opportunity—work with LIMEP and use their tools.”
That collaboration has resulted in a historic milestone: Aetna Forwarding is now the first manufacturer on Long Island to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, a requirement for companies seeking to bid on U.S. Department of Defense contracts containing specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses.
Led by President and CEO Michael Siracusano and CTO Anthony DePaola, the Mineola-based company’s achievement marks a major advancement for Long Island’s defense and aerospace supply chain—and underscores the growing role of LIMEP, part of Stony Brook University, in strengthening the region’s manufacturing cybersecurity posture.
A Regional First with National Implications
CMMC Level 2 certification demonstrates a company’s ability to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in accordance with DoD standards. With very few certified firms in the region—and even fewer vetted C3PAOs available to conduct assessments—Aetna’s success represents a breakthrough not only for the company, but for Long Island manufacturers seeking access to defense work. “CMMC will define who competes and who doesn’t,” said Siracusano. “This isn’t optional anymore. It’s about protecting our customers, our contracts, and our future.”
LIMEP and SBU: Reducing Barriers, Accelerating Success
Aetna’s path to certification was accelerated through direct engagement with LIMEP’s cybersecurity programs, which are designed to help manufacturers overcome cost, complexity, and resource constraints.
LIMEP:
- Provided 40% cost-share funding toward the total certification effort
- Delivered CMMC Supplier Cybersecurity Training to build internal readiness
- Vetted and connected Aetna with a qualified C3PAO, a critical step given the scarcity of certified assessors
- Engaged Aetna through ADDAPT, LIMEP’s advanced manufacturing and defense-focused network
As New York State’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership center based at Stony Brook University, LIMEP plays a pivotal role in translating federal cybersecurity mandates into actionable, affordable pathways for regional manufacturers.
“This certification doesn’t happen in isolation,” said LIMEP’s Executive Director Amy Erickson. “It requires technical expertise, trusted partners, and financial support. Our role is to make sure Long Island manufacturers don’t face those challenges alone.”
Built on Experience—and a Wake-Up Call
For Aetna, cybersecurity became a priority well before CMMC existed. A ransomware incident in 2016 with previous technical leadership exposed vulnerabilities that prompted a long-term investment in infrastructure, redundancy, and employee training.
“That experience changed our mindset,” DePaola explained. “Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a company-wide culture.”
The formal CMMC process included extensive self-assessments, mock audits, and a rigorous three-day evaluation. Aetna upgraded secure communications, implemented continuous monitoring, expanded physical security, and introduced ongoing cybersecurity awareness programs for all employees.
A Competitive Advantage for Long Island Manufacturers
With CMMC Level 2 certification in hand, Aetna is now positioned to pursue higher-level DoD contracts while reinforcing trust with existing clients. More broadly, the achievement serves as a proof point for what’s possible when industry partners LIMEP and Stony Brook University.
“This is a roadmap for other manufacturers,” Siracusano said. “If you want to compete in defense, you need to start now—and you need the right partners.”
Looking Ahead
Aetna plans to continue investing in modernization, cybersecurity, and workforce development as federal requirements evolve. Their success sends a clear message:
‘Long Island manufacturers can meet the highest national cybersecurity standards—when supported by the right ecosystem.’
From l to r: Anthony DePaola, CTO, Aetna Forwarding, Amy Erickson, Executive Director, LIMEP, Michael Siracusano, CEO, Aetna Forwarding
Evaluate and Benchmark Production of Single-Domain Antibodies against HIV
Ingenious Targeting Laboratory, located in Ronkonkoma, New York, is a pioneering provider of custom genetically modified animal models, including mice, rats, and rabbits. Established in 1998, they specialize in gene editing services using technologies like CRISPR/Cas9. With 25 employees, their products cater to a wide range of applications in scientific research and have been utilized by laboratories across 44 states and 28 countries. They offer a variety of models such as knockout and knockin mice, humanized mice, and targeted transgenic models, supporting research in numerous fields including disease study and drug development.
The Challenge
The production of quality antibodies is critical to advancing research and treatment options, especially in high-stakes areas like HIV. Recognizing the demand for high-quality single-domain antibodies, ingenious targeting laboratory has taken the first step toward developing a mouse-based platform that meets this need. However, as the antibody field represents a newer venture for the company, strategic relationship-building is paramount to success. The ability to establish strong partnerships, both in academic research institutions and within the commercial sector, is essential to gain the traction and credibility needed in this specialized market. With their well-established expertise in gene editing, ingenious is well-positioned to leverage these partnerships. Yet, navigating this field requires both the right connections and sufficient resources to drive awareness and interest among potential clients. This project aimed to not only to establish ingenious as a key player in antibody production but also to open new channels for collaboration that enhance the broader impact of their pioneering work.
"There are great people at LIMEP with a mission to aid small companies. They are all passionate and driven which helps gives projects such as the single domain antibodies projects more purpose and impact."— Paul Sheiffele, President
MEP's Role
LIMEP, part of the NYMEP and the MEP National Network™, stepped in to support ingenious targeting laboratory’s ambitious goal of breaking into the antibody market with targeted financial support and invaluable network connections. LIMEP, also part of the NYMEP and the MEP National Network™, provided essential funding aimed at offsetting business development and marketing costs, allowing ingenious to strategically focus on building partnerships in the antibody sector. Additionally, LIMEP facilitated introductions to both academic and commercial entities, accelerating relationship-building in a highly competitive market. These connections are designed to be mutually beneficial, positioning ingenious to meet the needs of researchers and industry professionals alike while simultaneously building a robust pipeline of potential clients. Through LIMEP’s support, ingenious could confidently pursue this expansion with the resources and relationships necessary to establish their new platform as a reliable tool for scientific advancement.
LIMEP Successfully Implements Lean Principles to Island Components Group Workflow
Island Components Group, Inc is a Long Island manufacturer designing and manufacturing the highest-performance motors, electromechanical servo-actuators and rotating components in the precision motion industry. Based out of the Hauppauge Industrial Park, Island Components Group struggled with an inflated work-in-process inventory numbers and gaps in process efficiency. LIMEP was able to apply lean principles to enhance productivity within the constraints of the current workforce, processes, equipment, and space.
The Challenge
The client's department, initially laid out in a quadrangular configuration, house various sub-assemblies each responsible for producing 75 units daily to complete an electric motor assembly, followed by testing. Despite meeting production targets, the overall equipment effectiveness system indicated an over inflated work-in-process inventory number and there were many inconsistencies in first pass yield data and deferred defect reviews revealed efficiency gaps.
MEP Center's Role
LIMEP, formerly the Manufacturing & Technology Resource Consortium (MTRC) at Stony Brook University, part of the New York MEP and the MEP National Network™, was enlisted to apply lean principles to enhance productivity within the constraints of the current workforce, processes, equipment, and space. The Island Components team received extensive training in the Toyota Production System, concentrating on just-in-time, Jidoka, and standard work principles. Kanban systems were established for feeder lines, ensuring seamless sub-assembly replenishment at workstations. Additionally, the materials/purchasing manager received a plan for every part template and training, essential for sustaining just-in-time material replenishment without disrupting the flow of work. The overhaul culminated in an output surge from 75 to 120 units daily and a dramatic WIP reduction from 717 to 156 pieces, attributed to the adoption of one-piece flow and strategic bottleneck management.
"The success of our lean manufacturing implementation project is attributed to the
team at LIMEP. The LIMEP team demonstrates true pride and professionalism. They are
a very knowledgeable group and quickly can size your project and identify the subject
matter experts for rapid project initiation and execution. They are fully engaged
through the entire project and ensure success. Island Components fully endorses the
MEP Center and is very grateful for their work and support."
-Richard Finucane, Vice President, Operations and Product Management
Cloud-Based AI-Enabled ECG Analysis Platform
LIMEP played an integral part in the growth and sustainable practices at zBeats, a
Stony Brook incubator company dedicated to developing personalized healthcare solutions
for the cardiovascular life cycle of the human body. With LIMEP’s connections and
funding, zBeats was able to go outside the scope of their normal bandwidth and resources.
Their team successfully created the first Cloud-based AI-Enabled ECG Analysis platform
for their customer base, and they have proof of concept that led them to have a successful
seed round for their business.
The Challenge
zBeats challenge was that their customer base was looking for a cloud-based solution rather than a traditional software solution they would need to install on their own operating systems. Companies were looking to reduce the long term maintenance cost associated with traditional software by switching to a cloud-based software and zBeats’ c-suite wanted to fill that hole in the market. zBeats looked to LIMEP, the Long Island MEP Center, part of the MEP National Network™, for assistance due to the Center’s ability to provide financial assistance as well as consulting and talent solutions.
LIMEP has played an integral part in the growth and sustainable practices here at zBeats. With LIMEP’s connections and funding, we have been able to go outside the scope of our normal bandwidth and resources. Given that- we successfully created the first Cloud-based Ai-Enabled ECG Analysis platform for our customer base- and have proof of concept that lead us to have a successful seed round for our business. LIMEP has been a great partner, and continues to be a great partner, for all things zBeats. We look forward to working with them in the future.
— Bin Fang, CEO / Co-Founder
MEP’s Role
First, LIMEP came in with financial support to help facilitate the project that zBeats was completing, making sure there were funds available for talent recruiting or needs analysis. LIMEP then used its connections to bring in talent that could support the zBeats team in implementing the cloud-based solutions, two computer science student interns and one applied mathematics student. Furthermore, with LIMEP’s support, zBeats was able to bring a cybersecurity consulting firm on board to the project.
Rapid Prototyping User Facility - From Design to Market
LIMEP is an invaluable resource helping IPS primarily through assistance in cost-effectively finding and bringing in interns.
The initial challenge was the overall design of the product in the first place. Snake Trap had a vision of what the product would look like and needed help getting to the next steps in terms of 3D modeling and designing. This is where LIMEP, part of the New York MEP and the MEP National Network™, came in.
The Challenge
The initial challenge was the overall design of the product in the first place. Rob had a vision of what the product would look like and needed help getting to the next steps in terms of 3D modeling and designing. This is where LIMEP, part of the New York MEP and the MEP National Network™, came in.
"Without the dedication from the LIMEP staff, especially Jessica and Cynthia, we would not have a product. They saw us through our initial period where this was just a concept all the way through to having an existing physical product that is being sold through major channels. They have been an invaluable asset and going forward we look to lean on them heavily during our upcoming marketing outreach efforts." — Gordon Cinco, CTO
MEP's Role
The company engaged with LIMEP to utilize the rapid prototyping user facility. LIMEP technicians helped develop a functional prototype design. SnakeTrap was able to use that design to print and work with LIMEP staff through over eight revisions. This project helped SnakeTrap design several other products that are currently in the pipeline and the main product is now available live at The Home Depot.
Phase I Success of Design-Driven Educational Robotics Product Development Leads to $1M Award for Phase 2
Mechanismic Inc. is a Long Island, New York, C-Corp designing and manufacturing an innovative DIY STEM Robotics Education and Play product called SnappyXO Design for K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions, students, makers, and hobbyists. Our products are also being sold to the informal STEM learning centers, such as museums, libraries, STEM programs and camps, hackathons, and robotics competitions.
The Challenge
Mechanismic Inc. had received STTR Phase I funding from the NSF for the R&D work, but they needed access to manufacturing space and equipment to develop the hardware. LIMEP stepped in to provide them access to its prototyping facility and also provided a cost-share on their CNC laser equipment. Without these resources, they would have found it challenging to meet the technical and commercial milestones that they had set to meet. This support from the LIMEP was critical. LIMEP also provided them further R&D support and an avenue to test their product in a sponsored summer robotics camp meant for 7th-12th grade students.
"If there is one organization after NSF, that has helped us tremendously with our efforts, that would be the LIMEP program at Stony Brook University. Without LIMEP's support, our company would not have been able to meet our goals to bring a state-of-the-art robotics product to the market. I thank Dr. Imin Kao and Cynthia Colón from the LIMEP program profusely for their kind support and dedication." — Anurag Purwar, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder
MEP's Role
Without the help from LIMEP, Mechanismic Inc. would not have been able to finish the phase I tasks and prepare for the phase 2 project. After they outgrew the space provided in the prototyping lab, LIMEP helped them with setting up a new manufacturing space off-campus where they set up their independent operations. LIMEP's grant program offered an equipment purchase matching award, helped the company meet commercialization goals, and also assisted with their preparation for the FuzeHub commercialization award, which they won. LIMEP is proud to state that they played a role in the company also winning the $1M STTR Phase 2 award from the NSF.
Manufacturing Expansion, Bio-fermenter
Biocogent is a biotechnology company focusing on research, development, and manufacturing
of skin-active materials used in specialized skin care products for both the personal
and medical care markets. LIMEP, along with their program partners, helped them acquire
access to capital to expand their bio-fermenter capacity and become more competitive
in domestic and global markets.
The Challenge
Much of the product development performed at Biocogent is based in bio-conversion and bio-fermentation. This platform was identified as a direct path for commercializing products resulting from the research and development of treatment moieties based on complex and pleiotropic bio-molecules. The need for additional bio-fermenter capacity was crucial to keep up with the development of new products and the increase in demand of Biocogent’s products. Biocogent also needed a chemical engineer to run the biofermenter to support this method and increase productivity. LIMEP assisted by providing funding along with their program partners to help in lowering the costs involved in this project, making Biocogent more competitive in domestic and global markets.
"It is a pleasure to work with the LIMEP staff at Stony Brook. They are keenly aware of the challenges facing start-up and emerging companies and were very helpful shepherding Biocogent through the application process."— Joseph Ceccoli, President, Biocogent
MEP's Role
LIMEP was able to support the project with a supplemental award. This provided Biocogent the capital to purchase the additional bio-fermenter and support the increase in volume production and capacity. The increase in production capability has lead to an increase in commercial capacity and in the quality of their product resulting in an increase in sales. The added capacity and process controls (quality) has allowed Biocogent to pursue additional business opportunities with key global customers.
All-Electric Delivery Vehicles for United Parcel Service (UPS)
Unique Electric Solutions is a provider of electric propulsion systems for trucks
and buses. UES sells its products via existing vehicle retrofits, and by selling kits
to manufacturers. With LIMEP’s help, they were able to add additional staff and new
equipment to support their next phase of business with UPS.
The Challenge
As UES has been focused on fleet conversions to electric propulsion systems, UES is also gearing up to address and supply the OEM markets as well. Since this is a new market, most fleet managers do not have experience in electric propulsion or battery energy storage.
UES had to meet UPS's performance metrics for operation in NYC while aiming for an increase in fleet conversions up to 1,500. UES needed the assistance of additional staff and new equipment to support the next phase of their upscaling.
MEP's Role
LIMEP manages award funding to support small to medium-sized manufacturers through supplemental awards. There are "objectives" specified by NYSERDA as part of LIMEP grants' obligation for providing supplemental awards with qualified projects. This mechanism of funding is unique to LIMEP, which works through partners for SME. UES received the supplemental award as a match to the NYSERDA grant and company cash investment allocated to this project. The LIMEP supplemental award helped UES to increase the expenditure capability of their project beyond the scope of work granted by NYSERDA.
With just three employees, the award funding from LIMEP provided through the Supplemental Awards and Feasibility Agreement at both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the projects provided direct assistance to stretch their operational budget and allow for growth in workforce, equipment and in-turn, sales.
LIMEP also provided a forum for UES to increase the reach of their message and product knowledge to the surrounding area and beyond. In addition, the LIMEP team has provided a forum for direct mentorship for the entire UES team and created opportunities for them to develop additional business-to-business relationships through events, meetings and symposiums.
Services for Stainless Steel Mold and Strands
Textured Food Innovations, LLC specializes in treating patients requiring modified-textured
diets. LIMEP was able to provide them with CAD drawings of stainless-steel food molds
used to produce contoured pureed meals.
The Challenge
The owners of the company contacted LIMEP to inquire about special stainless steel supports that were required to hold polypropylene food molds, which were necessary in the production of the contoured pureed meals. The company needed assistance from engineers and scientists to develop the custom food molds and corresponding stainless steel stands.
"LIMEP has been very influential in providing valuable resources to utilize in the startup of our new business in the areas of technical advice, technology, funding, and networking with other companies through the Coffee & Connect series of breakfast meetings. We will be collaborating with other local businesses such as East End Institute, and Little Bird Kitchen, to leverage our capabilities and expand our product line."— Carol Letzter, Au.D., CCC-A/SLP, Managing Member
MEP's Role
The LIMEP was able to provide the necessary CAD drawings that were needed for Textured Food Innovations to produce the molds in a timely manner and at a reduced cost. Through the LIMEP Rapid Prototyping User Facility, staff were able to utilize the reverse engineering scanner to develop three-dimensional CAD files of the food molds. As the original molds were made in a foreign county, LIMEP’s assistance allowed the company to have more control over the final product, and decrease their turn-around time of having custom molds for their manufacturing needs.