Northeastern Maryland Additive Manufacturing Innovation Authority Holds Inaugural Meeting at APG

From Harford County government:

The Northeastern Maryland Additive Manufacturing Innovation Authority (NMAMIA) hosted the inaugural meeting at Aberdeen Proving Ground on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. NMAMIA was enacted by legislation during the last Maryland Legislative session to capitalize on the region’s existing resources in additive manufacturing — including 3D printing, meteorology, and rapid prototyping — to encourage growth of manufacturing. The event included a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) signing with APG’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC).

“Additive manufacturing will do for Northeastern Maryland what computer did for Silicon Valley,” said Senator JB Jennings, who attended the event.

This initiative began with President Obama’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s core manufacturing infrastructure through facilitation of local and regional commercialization with federal laboratories. The actions have included investments in innovative, advanced technology, education and infrastructure.

The growth of additive manufacturing has brought about transformative changes in the manufacturing industry, and it continues to reshape the landscape with innovative technologies like 3D printing and rapid prototyping. As regions like Northeastern Maryland embrace these advancements, local manufacturers are finding new opportunities to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. These innovations are helping to modernize traditional manufacturing processes, while opening up possibilities for businesses to diversify their operations and explore new markets.

With the rise of cutting-edge technologies, there’s also a noticeable shift in how older machinery is being utilized or replaced. In many cases, companies are exploring a market for old machinery, allowing them to sell or repurpose equipment that may no longer be competitive in the face of these new, high-tech manufacturing solutions. The key to staying ahead in today’s manufacturing environment lies in balancing innovation with resource management, ensuring that businesses continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. By understanding the evolving role of older machinery, manufacturers can make smarter decisions that align with the future of the industry.

NMAMIA is designed to be a non-profit organization that will work with APG and viable businesses that can benefit from additive manufacturing. According to Rick Decker, the new executive director of NMAMIA, the organization will help capture Federal funding that is available for the advancement of manufacturing.

“NMAMIA will act as the conduit to a sustainable, high-performing, high-technology manufacturing center that will advance the economic development of both Harford County and northeastern Maryland,” Decker said.

Dave Wheatley, president of D. Wheatley Enterprises and the new president of NMAMIA, concurs. “The goal of NMAMIA is to expand the single-solution concept of 3D printing, which is often equated to additive manufacturing, to a full manufacturing solution,” he said. “We have the resources in both equipment and talent in Harford County to do this effectively, and now we have the organization that will help make it happen.”

Joe Wienand, director at APG’s ECBC, noted that the signing of the CRADA is an essential piece of the puzzle. “The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement will allow industries to access the equipment and knowledge base of additive manufacturing at APG, to further advance their technologies and that of the region,” he said.

Under the leadership of Decker, the NMAMIA Board of Directors will work with companies to garner the resources necessary for the advancement of additive manufacturing.

The Board of Directors includes stakeholders from the education entities of Harford and Cecil Counties, the respective Offices of Economic Development, ECBC, DBED, and notable companies such as SURVICE Engineering, Chesapeake Testing and ATK that are already working with APG on additive manufacturing programs.