Ohio’s EWI, OSU and U-Michigan To Launch New National Manufacturing Institute
Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) February 25, 2014 -- The launch of a new public-private institute geared toward developing advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technology for transition to the industrial sector will be announced by the White House later today.
Under the direction of technology innovator EWI with The Ohio State University and University of Michigan, the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII) will open its doors in spring 2014. The new facility, headquartered in the Metro Detroit area, will be part of the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), a federal initiative to help U.S. manufacturers become more competitive and encourage investment in the United States.
The goal of the new Institute will be “to expand the market for and create new consumers of products and systems that utilize new, lightweight, high performing metals and alloys by removing technological barriers to their manufacture,” the White House said.
The ALMMII team was selected through a competitive process led by the US Department of Defense under the Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation (LM3I) solicitation issued by the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research. The institute will receive $70 million in federal funding matched by another $78 million from the consortium partners.
Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio expressed full confidence and support for the launch. "American workers have the drive, the creativity, and the determination to out-innovate the rest of the world," he said. "By developing innovative partnerships among the DoD, research institutions like The Ohio State University, and industry organizations like EWI, we ensure that American workers and businesses have the resources they need to develop the next generation of high-tech manufacturing Industries. This type of investment helps rebuild our nation's manufacturing sector while creating new jobs and strengthening our middle class.”
"Innovation is the number one driver of manufacturing competitiveness, and ALMMII represents an important investment in the future of US manufacturing,” said EWI President and CEO Henry Cialone. “We applaud Senator Brown's leadership in promoting a broader body of innovation to support American manufacturers, and appreciate the confidence in our team that this award conveys."
In addition to the three founding institutions, the ALMMII consortium includes more than 50 companies, universities, non-profit research institutions, and workforce development intermediaries. The institute is actively seeking more partners to join its team.
Ohio State President Joseph A. Alutto said that the partner group is first-rate. “We are proud to be working with such an outstanding founding group in establishing this important national institute, which will bring together resources from industry, government, and academia to enhance the region’s competitiveness, create opportunities for students, and generate economic growth,” he said.
Likewise, Columbus State Community College President David T. Harrison is pleased to see that university and community college education is a key component of the ALMMII approach. “Columbus State is excited to partner with EWI and Ohio State toward a more integrated approach in training for the high tech advanced manufacturing careers associated with lightweight metals. Through our collaboration with ALMMII, Columbus State students will have an opportunity like no other to be a part of the future of manufacturing in Ohio.”
Government leaders in Ohio also recognize the importance of developing a well trained workforce. “This grant will engender the type of workforce development that will provide the skilled labor for manufacturers of all sizes and help facilitate new manufacturing technologies that will give a competitive edge and stimulate job creation,” said Representative Kirk Schuring, Chair of the Ohio House Manufacturing and Workforce Development Committee.
About EWI
EWI is North America’s leading developer of innovative technology solutions that enhance manufacturing competitiveness. Since 1984, EWI has provided engineering support, R&D, strategic services, and training to leaders in the aerospace, automotive, consumer products, electronics, medical, energy & chemical, government, and heavy manufacturing industries. By matching our expertise in materials joining, forming, and testing to the needs of forward-thinking manufacturers, we are successful in creating effective solutions in product design and production. To learn more, visit http://www.ewi.org, email info(at)ewi(dot)org, or call 614.688.5000.
About University of Michigan
University of Michigan has over $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures and more than 100 faculty involved in government- and industry-sponsored manufacturing research and educational programs. Faculty and industry researchers capitalize on the Integrated Computational Materials Engineering Center, NSF Engineering Research Center in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems, S.M. Wu Manufacturing Research Center, the General Motors Manufacturing Collaborative Lab and the U.S. Army sponsored Automotive Research Center for materials research. U-M also has a Master’s in Manufacturing Program, the Navy Engineering Education Center and the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions. Ohio State has research expenditures exceeding $900 million annually.
Rebecca Gurk, EWI, http://www.ewi.org, +1 (614) 688-5164, [email protected]
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