President Barack Obama announced two new manufacturing innovation institutes led by the Department of Defense and supported by a $140 million Federal commitment combined with more than $140 million in non-federal resources. One will be a Detroit-area headquartered consortium of businesses and universities, with a focus on lightweight and modern metals manufacturing. The second will be a Chicago headquartered consortium of businesses and universities that will concentrate on digital manufacturing and design technologies. As part of this public/private effort, Siemens will supply product lifecycle management (PLM) software to the Chicago consortium and serve as a top tier partner for the Digital Lab.
“Siemens is proud to be both a technology partner and investor in the Digital Lab which is designed to drive innovation and America’s manufacturing resurgence,” said Chuck Grindstaff, CEO of Siemens PLM Software, who was present at the White House announcement. “Siemens software is delivering enhanced productivity, increased efficiency, a quicker time to market and more flexibility. As the sole PLM supplier serving as a Tier One partner, Siemens will provide ongoing strategic leadership and manpower to help bring both the potential and the vision of the Digital Lab to fruition.”
This investment is part of President Obama’s effort to re-invigorate U.S. Manufacturing, create new jobs and economic development, and spur future innovation.
“Today’s manufacturing industry is one of the most sophisticated, highly skilled, and innovative areas of business in the world today because software has radically transformed the manufacturing process,” said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens Corp. “Software and technology won’t just help the U.S. manufacture the most advanced products in the world; with the proper emphasis on training it will also help us manufacture a new middle class. The Digital Lab will serve as an economic catalyst in the region and across the country.”
Siemens recently made a $440 million PLM software grant to Youngstown State University which will help students at the America Makes manufacturing innovation hub in Youngstown, Ohio. This center is devoted to incorporating 3-D printing in mainstream American manufacturing – and will provide students with hands-on use of PLM software in fields such as robotics design, computer-aided engineering and additive manufacturing.