The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation network of public-private institutes will now be known as Manufacturing USA in an effort to promote awareness in the manufacturing community.
Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker announced the rebranding of the program at the annual International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, the Commerce Department said Monday.
“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,†Pritzker said.
“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.â€
Manufacturing USA has invested more than $600 million in federal funds on manufacturing resources and expertise to help advance innovation, education and collaboration in national manufacturing areas.
The Defense and Energy Department manages the current manufacturing technology institutes under the program, which now has more than 1,300 company members, the Commerce Department added.
The program has launched approximately 240 research and development projects and educational programs to support workforce development and the regional manufacturing ecosystem in certain technology focus areas.
The Commerce Department is responsible for establishing new manufacturing technology institutes for disadvantaged areas in the industry as part of the program.