MiMfg Magazine October 2017 | Page 21

October 2017 Western Michigan Commits to $3M Manufacturing Training Lab New manufacturing training options will soon be available for manufacturers near, and students attending, Western Michigan University (WMU) as the college announced plans this fall to begin construction of a two-story, $3 million Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Lab. The AMP Lab @ WMU will contain areas for research and hands-on instructional space and support college labs for both WMU and GRCC, w orkshops, training sessions, outreach to the local K-12 system and workforce development. “AMP Lab will be a place for collaboration and learning in an advanced manufacturing and design environment,” said Steven Butt, professor and chair of WMU’s Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems department. “Entrepreneurs will have opportunities to prototype their ideas. For some it may be a place to start, and for others, it will be a place to hone a new product, process or skill.” The lab is being built in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and local manufacturers and will be located on the first two floors of the university’s Grand Rapids location. “This open, urban location will allow individuals to see inside an advanced manufacturing space and will help enhance the image of manufacturing,” said John C. Kennedy, past recipient of the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award and president of MMA member company Autocam Medical in Grand Rapids. “The AMP Lab is a maker space in its truest form, addressing the needs of entrepreneurs and providing a space to bring ideas to life. Programming this facility will foster a format of collaborative learning between educators and students.” Talent remains a critical concern for manufacturers nationwide as more than 3.5 million industry jobs are expected to be needed over the next 10 years with as many as two million estimated to go unfilled due to a lack of new talent. The AMP Lab @ WMU is expected to be completed in fall 2018. 6 MiMfg Magazine 21 AMP Lab @ WMU concept illustrations Senator Shirkey Speaks on Senate Resolution for Manufacturing Senator Mike Shirkey offers up a resolution on the impact of manufacturing to the state of Michigan during a Senate session on 10/3/17. When it comes to advising our clients on manufacturing matters, we’re all in. At Clark Hill, we understand industry-critical issues and help manufacturing clients successfully work through a myriad of challenges. Our proven experience and responsiveness help manufacturers keep their focus on their core business. With attorneys and professionals who have led manufacturing and engineering businesses, Clark Hill is a vital partner for manufacturing clients in: • • • • • Labor & Employment Law Government Regulations Risk Management Real Estate Contract preparation clarkhill.com • • • • • Corporate Governance Succession Planning Finance Litigation Mergers