U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker traveled to her hometown of Chicago to deliver the keynote address at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). During her remarks Secretary Pritzker announced that “Manufacturing USA” is the new brand name for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI).

President Obama created the NNMI, now Manufacturing USA, in 2014 as a medium to foster public-private partnerships and bring stakeholders together across industry, academia and government platforms. The network consists of 9 institutes, and is on track to expand to least 14 by the end of the year. 

Manufacturing USA captures the geographic reach of a network that spans the country and is positioned to benefit companies of all sizes from coast to coast. Most importantly, this name embodies a vision for a unified and competitive American manufacturing sector – in which the brightest minds and the most innovative companies come together to develop the most cutting-edge technology in the world.

After the opening ceremony, Secretary Pritzker toured the premier attraction at the IMTS – the Emerging Technology Center. There, she was able to witness the evolution of manufacturing technologies by Manufacturing USA’s institutes Oak Ridge National Lab and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation.

During the show, the Oak Ridge National Lab displayed “Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy” (AMIE) – a project that connects a natural-gas-powered hybrid electric vehicle with a solar-powered building to create an integrated energy system.

The Secretary also had the chance to see a wide range of other innovative, cutting-edge programs that included EOS North America’s “additive bionic human.” Also on display were the 3-D printed Shelby Cobra sports car, and the 1960’s Army vehicle Willys Jeep. 

The additive bionic human and 3D printed Shelby Cobra are just a few examples of the innovations happening in the manufacturing industry. On October 7, businesses across the country will showcase their innovations during Manufacturing Day. Business will open their doors to host open houses, tours, career workshops, and engage the next generations of workers to work in one of the most innovative sectors of the American economy. Last year, over 400,000 people participated in more than 2,400 events throughout the U.S. To learn more: http://www.mfgday.com/