UI LABS brings together universities and industries to encourage factories across the U.S. to use digital technologies to become more efficient. The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), a UI LABS collaboration, is funded through a $70 million federal grant along with private sector partners.
It’s based at Chicago’s Goose Island, but will now have a pilot chapter in Rockford.
Dean Bartles is the Chief Manufacturing Officer of UI LABS. He says he hopes Rockford is the first of many chapters across the U.S. for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We are especially excited about tapping into the robust aeronautical supply chain, where nearly one-quarter of the jobs here are related to manufacturing. Rockford has a pioneering history in the field of manufacturing technology contributing to countless innovations within the sector.”
U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos says it means Rockford is ready for the next wave of manufacturing.
“That means there is trust in this community. We know that we’ve got one of the best workforces in the world right in this community. We are well prepared for this next generation, this next industrial revolution.”
Northern Illinois University has taken a lead role in developing the new chapter, with other regional partners.
NIU President Doug Baker says expertise from manufacturers and academic partners will improve the current manufacturing model:
“This project will allow all of those pieces to talk to each other, up and down the stream, so you can identify where there are weaknesses in the stream or opportunities for enhanced efficiencies to make us globally competitive.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says the lab is meant to boost the state’s economy.
“I just don’t want America to lead in manufacturing around the world, I want Illinois to lead, and I want Rockford to continue to lead. That’s why we gather today—to initiate an effort that is going lead to the next generation of thinking when it comes to manufacturing and technology and the next generation of jobs, good paying jobs right here at home.”
Another chapter is planned soon in the Quad-Cities.
