Commerce Department announces ‘Manufacturing USA’ brand for national network
by September 12, 2016 4:00 pm 167 views
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on Monday (Sept. 12) announced that “Manufacturing USA” is the new brand name for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.
The network consists of public-private institutes dedicated to improving the manufacturing sector through manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration. Secretary Pritzker made the announcement at the annual International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.
The new Manufacturing USA name will be used to increase awareness throughout the manufacturing community. A new domain name for the program emphasizes industry’s investment in Manufacturing USA and the importance of the partnership for enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce Manufacturing USA. With our new name, Manufacturing USA captures the geographic reach of a network that spans our country and is positioned to benefit companies of all sizes from coast to coast,” said Secretary Pritzker. “But more importantly, this name embodies our vision for a unified American manufacturing sector – where the brightest minds and the most innovative companies come together to develop the most cutting-edge technology in the world.”
Over the past four years, the Obama Administration has announced nine manufacturing innovation institutes, with up to six more planned by 2017. The institutes are operated by the Departments of Defense and Energy.
The institutes have grown their membership to more than 1,300 companies, initiated 240 research and development projects, contributed to workforce development with a variety of educational programs, and stimulated the growth of the regional ecosystem for manufacturing innovation in their particular technology focus areas.
According to Commerce Department officials, Manufacturing USA leverages federal funding into greater private investment of resources and expertise in key national manufacturing areas. More than $600 million in federal funding has been matched by more than $1.3 billion in non-federal investment.
In 2016, Congress appropriated funding to the Department of Commerce to support the network and the vision of U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing. The Department of Commerce’s role also includes creating Commerce-led manufacturing institutes in the technology areas that industry tells us are most needed. The first competition for one of these institutes is now in process and the award will be announced in January 2017.