With an increasingly uncertain economic and political climate at hand, and facing unprecedented challenges ranging from trade wars to global supply chair issues side-by-side with ongoing skilled labor shortages and persistent pressures to move to Industry 4.0 innovations and beyond, manufacturers across Michigan’s Great Southwest are facing the torrid pace head on, working to craft the smart factories of tomorrow.
Manufacturers both in the region and across the globe continue to face challenges like they have never seen before and facing an unbelievable race that has the digital revolution making change about the only real constant in their lives. 
In order to move to the smart factory of tomorrow, the Manufacturing Growth Alliance (MGA), along with the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute and several regional partners will be offering training and the possibility of grant funding to help move Michigan manufacturers to the front of the class. To drive that effort, the Michigan Strategic Fund has made $271 thousand available in grant funds to the region to establish Industry 4.0 readiness.
Industry 4.0 is defined as the convergence of digital and physical technologies, including artificial intelligence, 3D printing, robotics, and both augmented and virtual reality. Approximately 42-percent of Michigan’s current labor force could be negatively impacted by automation. The grants being offered will help drive awareness of the importance of 4.0, technical support, and to help employers adopt the changing technologies.
Manufacturing Growth Alliance Executive Director Jenn Deamud tells us, “A recent article in Forbes magazine had a leading industry analyst noting that 76-percent of manufacturers either have a smart factory initiative ongoing or are working on one.” She adds, “Measurable and meaningful increases in productivity and revenue are driving investments, and we must ensure that small manufacturers have access to the training and technologies to compete.”
MGA and its’ partners have outlined a three-phase approach. The first phases start with reaching out to 400 companies, which is about 43-percent of the small manufacturers in the region. Education and training will be delivered to a minimum of 200 manufacturers via webinars. The second phase will include an in depth financial and operational analysis, while the third phase will involve the companies receiving up to a $10 thousand grant for Industry 4.0 implementation.
Steve Wilson, University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute Executive Director, says, “We don’t just stop after education and analysis,” noting, “Companies that enter the third phase will have actionable steps to improve the performance of their firm, assistance developing a scope of work for an industry 4.0 implementation project, and identification of the service providers.”
Deamud says, “This process will help establish a pipeline of companies positioned to advance into 4.0 next steps,” while adding, “Innovation will be the key to keeping Michigan competitive.”
The first phase in the process will include two information sessions about Industry 4.0. Small manufacturers who are interested in learning more about the initiative and eager to begin the process of applying for the grant are encouraged to attend. The webinars will take place on June 8th at 1:00 PM and June 17th at 9:00 AM. Interested businesses can RSVP their attendance at this link: http://MGAlliance.org/events.
A number of partners across Southwest Michigan and the state have lined up in support of the initiative, including:
- Automation Alley
- Michigan Works! Southwest
- Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren
- Market Van Buren
- Southwest Michigan First
- Cornerstone Alliance
- Albion Economic Development Organization
- Battle Creek Unlimited
- Lake Michigan College
The Manufacturing Growth Alliance (MGA) is a membership-based organization that provides services to help manufacturers build smart, lead strong, and establish a pathway for future growth. MGA’s services drive solutions that will make manufacturing in Michigan the most competitive and prosperous in the nation. For more information, you can visit http://MGAlliance.org, like them on Facebook @MGAlliance and follow along on LinkedIn at Manufacturing Growth Alliance (MGA).
