7/16/2024 - Industry 4.0 innovators are consistently developing new automation and advanced manufacturing solutions to fill workforce gaps. This technology has already enhanced the operations and profitability of small and medium sized manufacturers (SMMs). However, the challenge with some automation, such as a new collaborative robot (cobot), is that once installed, it often fails to deliver the promised results and eventually sits in a corner collecting dust. Read the full article from www.industryweek.com.
5/9/2024 - As Artificial Intelligence (AI) is continuing to advance, more employers are starting to use it. AI can be used to write papers, create pictures and solve problems. During the annual InvestUP CEO Summit, two speakers described how AI is helping businesses. MMTC President Ingrid Tighe said her company’s clients use AI for many things. Read the full article from www.uppermichiganssource.com.
3/29/2024 - Automation Alley’s third playbook of its 2024 Integr8 Roundtable Series is focused on how additive manufacturing continues to revolutionize the traditional design process and how manufacturers can overcome barriers to adopting and successfully using the technology. The insights for the playbook were gathered at a Feb. 14 roundtable discussion hosted by Automation Alley, which featured leaders from technology, manufacturing, government and academic sectors including Ingrid Tighe, MMTC President. “Shaping Tomorrow: Additive Manufacturing” is sponsored by Stratasys, and was produced in partnership with Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, and Michigan State University. Read the full article on www.mitechnews.com.
3/8/2024 - Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center held a showcase at MSU, detailing technologies that can help manufacturers in the East Lansing area on March 8. "Michigan has a long history of manufacturing," said Russ Zarras, Lead Business Developer for Fraunhofer USA. In an ever-changing world of manufacturing, Friday's showcase can help smaller manufacturers be successful as the industry evolves. Read the full article from fox47news.com.
11/2/2023 - Michigan is a unique player among states, with a robust infrastructure dedicated to economic development. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) takes proactive steps to address critical infrastructure issues and is working closely with organizations such as the Pure Michigan Business Connect team, which coordinates regional supplier matches and events, aiding procurement and identifying manufacturers with specific capabilities. Rebekah McCarter, lead supplier scout for MMTC, says there was a big push for nationwide supply chain innovation when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That need hasn’t changed since. Read the full article from rapidgrowthmedia.com.
10/18/2023 - The Fourth Industrial Revolution, dubbed I4.0, goes far beyond the robots introduced to the factory floor in the last century to include automation, data interchange, and contemporary manufacturing technology. I4.0 includes computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D Printing, and the incorporation of advanced sensors for predictive machinery maintenance. If Michigan continues to wear the crown as the world’s leading manufacturing region it’s 100-year-old plus manufacturing sector needs to embrace these technologies to compete with the rapidly retooling rest of the world. Read the full article from mitechnews.com.
10/17/2023 - A statewide consortium led by the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute has received $4.9 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to create the foundation for energy storage and battery manufacturing. Through a series of technical assistance, technology acceleration and workforce training initiatives, funds under this award will be applied to make long-term investments in advanced research and commercialization, critical skills and supply chain development in order to strengthen the defense industrial base. MMTC is a consortium member. Read the full article from news.umich.edu.
8/14/2023 - Remaining competitive in Michigan’s manufacturing space will require owners of all sizes of businesses to shift their mindset beyond simply buying equipment to automate their processes. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, last month reintroduced legislation — known as the Workforce Data for Analyzing and Tracking Automation Act — to evaluate the effects that automation has had on the manufacturing sector to help inform workforce development strategies. With support from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center MMTC, the legislation would authorize the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to measure job displacement, the number of new jobs created and the shifting of in-demand skills. Read the full article at www.crainsgrandrapids.com.
7/28/2023 - The Biden-Harris Administration met with representatives from more than manufacturers, manufacturing experts, and manufacturers’ associations to discuss how small and medium-sized domestic manufacturers can participate in the Investing in America agenda. During the event, Administration officials highlighted how the Administration’s work to invest in American infrastructure and clean energy is revitalizing America’s manufacturing base, promoting innovation, and creating high quality jobs. Read the full briefing from whitehouse.gov.
5/24/2023 - In its early years, Lean often got a bad reputation as a downsizing program. It was believed that if a company of 50 employees became Lean, they likely would not need everyone anymore, causing people to be let go. Today’s work environment is quite different. Many companies cannot find enough employees to fill their teams – and I don’t know anyone who has a “people closet” from which they can just pull more resources. Read the full article from mimfg.org.