DCED Secretary Kicks off Conference, Discusses How Additive Manufacturing Supports Pennsylvania Reindustrialization

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker today kicked-off the 3-D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Conference and discussed Governor Tom Corbett's policies that are helping to position Pennsylvania as a location of choice for the $6 billion additive manufacturing industry.

"Additive Manufacturing supports the governor's overall vision of re-industrializing Pennsylvania by ensuring that the ideas being developed here are manufactured here," Walker said. "This precise and cost-effective technology means a continued resurgence of American manufacturing and Pennsylvania will once again be leading the way."

In August 2012, Corbett announced that a public–private team from Pennsylvania, in partnership with Northeast Ohio and West Virginia, was awarded a $30 million federal grant from the Department of Defense to develop an Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (AMII).

The institute will develop a roadmap to increase domestic competitiveness through increasing the successful transition of additive manufacturing technology, advancing innovation and creating a workforce capable of meeting industry needs.

Walker and Secretary Julia Hearthway of the Department of Labor & Industry provided a joint letter of support for the application, including a pledge to provide a portion of the matching funds which helped to leverage the $30 million award.

AMII represents the largest statewide partnership in a single national initiative to date – combining industry, research and workforce development resources. The institute will partner with colleges, universities and community colleges to deliver new training and curricula to the workforce.

"Despite relentless worldwide challenges to U.S. manufacturing, Pennsylvania continues to broaden and develop its manufacturing base to ensure its strength as an economic driver," said Walker. "As manufacturing evolves, Governor Corbett continues to develop policies to ensure Pennsylvania firms have the tools they need to adapt to the demands of the 21st century and remain competitive."

In 2011, Corbett commissioned the Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council (GMAC), a private advisory council supported by Team Pennsylvania Foundation, to identify and prioritize issues that can help sustain and advance manufacturing in the state.

The 24-member council, led by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, sent its report to Corbett and the General Assembly outlining a list of 15 key recommendations it believes will help Pennsylvania remain competitive in today's global economy. The recommendations included positioning Pennsylvania to capitalize on the emerging additive manufacturing industry.

Additive manufacturing takes a technology leap from current manufacturing approaches by offering more efficient methods of forming metal and other materials into highly complex shapes and parts. This manufacturing technology will be applicable to a number of industry sectors, including: aircraft, oil and gas equipment, robotics, electronics, medical devices, and "smart" structural materials.

Media contact: Steve Kratz, DCED; 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development