Two key players in the manufacturing sector, Kevin Carr, CEO, FloridaMakes and Joe Steele, vice president of communications and legislative affairs at LIFT, highlighted their partnership aimed at advanced manufacturing and talent development across Florida. Their collaboration reflects a commitment to address the challenges and opportunities within the state’s manufacturing landscape.
FloridaMakes, the state’s representative for the National Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) was established in 2015 to bolster Florida’s manufacturing economy through technological advancement, workforce development and growth strategies. Despite being less recognized as a manufacturing state, Florida boasts a robust network of approximately 27,000 manufacturing establishments, with a significant portion made up of small firms employing fewer than 20 employees.
LIFT, a public-private partnership between the Department of Defense and multiple industrial organizations and research institutions, as well as one of the DoD's National Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, also is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Based in Detroit, LIFT focuses on advanced materials and manufacturing processes, aiming to facilitate the transition of new technologies into practical applications, particularly within defense manufacturing.
Benefits of the Partnership for Engineers
In this first of a three-part series, Machine Design learns that the synergy between FloridaMakes and LIFT is expected to yield significant benefits for mechanical and design engineers in Florida. As noted by Steele, the partnership seeks to create a national ecosystem that aids manufacturers in the state by providing access to advanced technologies and commercialization pathways.
Carr said that small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in keeping abreast of technological advancements due to limited resources. This partnership offers critical support, helping these manufacturers improve their capabilities and integrate new technologies more effectively. By connecting local manufacturers with national resources and expertise, both organizations aim to foster innovation and accelerate growth in the manufacturing sector.
Engagement and Outreach Strategies
To reach Florida’s manufacturing community, LIFT plans to leverage FloridaMakes’ extensive network. By hosting webinars and collaborative sessions that bring together industry representatives, academia and governmental bodies, they aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving. This proactive outreach will inform manufacturers about available resources and opportunities.
Carr said that outreach is essential for changing perceptions and increasing awareness of the support available through these organizations. Workshops, site visits to innovation centers and direct engagement with manufacturers are strategies that will help ensure even the smallest firms can access the tools and knowledge they need.
Expansion and Future Initiatives
The partnership's impact is not limited to Florida; it also extends to a newly opened satellite facility in Puerto Rico, which mirrors their efforts in Florida. This facility aims to support workforce development and technological innovation in a localized context, similar to the objectives in Florida.
The collaboration between FloridaMakes and LIFT aims to harness the potential of manufacturing in Florida and beyond. By focusing on small manufacturers and creating a robust support network, they are poised to drive significant advancements in the sector, amplifying the state's economic landscape while empowering engineers and manufacturers alike. Through ongoing outreach and education, they aim to ensure that Florida's manufacturing future is not only recognized but also thriving.
Watch additional parts of this interview series with Kevin Carr and Joe Steele:
Editor’s Note: Machine Design’s WISE (Workers in Science and Engineering) hub compiles our coverage of workplace issues affecting the engineering field, in addition to contributions from equity seeking groups and subject matter experts within various subdisciplines.
