The White House will announce the launch of a new public-private institute geared toward developing advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technology for transition to the industrial sector.
Under the direction of technology innovator EWI in association with University of Michigan and The Ohio State University, the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII) will open its doors in spring 2014. The new facility, based 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 mission of ALMMII is to ensure that the U.S. is the world leader in the application of innovative lightweight metal production and component/subsystem manufacturing technologies,” said EWI President and CEO Henry Cialone. “ALMMII will focus on the total value chain for lightweight materials – rapid development, qualification, optimized use, and commercialization of affordable lightweight structures for defense and commercial requirements.”
In addition to the three founding institutions, ALMMII has more than 50 companies, universities, and non-profit research institutions involved in the consortium. The institute is actively seeking more partners to join the team.
The ALMMII group 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.
More information will be forthcoming from the President at the White House announcement later this week.
