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CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) — On Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois has been awarded a $2 million in federal grant funding for the Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program (SMLP).
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined Pritzker for the announcement. This funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains’ (MESC) State Manufacturing Leadership Program.
“Manufacturing is at the heart of our state’s economic strength, and this new federal funding will help us take it to the next level,” Pritzker said. “By equipping small and medium-sized manufacturers with smart manufacturing technologies, we’re accelerating innovation and driving progress toward a clean energy economy – while ensuring no community is left behind.”
Through the program, IMEC and DCEO will work collaboratively with local labor and community groups to provide resources, outreach, technical assistance, financial assistance, or workforce and training support to small and medium sized manufacturers (SMMs).
The SMLP will help advance the goals of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) by providing support around technology adoption and reducing energy burdens to SMMs and workforce development partners in underserved communities across the state.
“This funding is essential to building upon the success of Illinois’ world-class manufacturing industry,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “DCEO is dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure programs like IMEC’s Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse are supported and create training opportunities for the state’s talented workforce.”
The goal of the program is to accelerate the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies among MMs in the state, focusing on enhancing economic competitiveness, efficiency and energy productivity. The program will provide a range of services, including training, workforce development, technology showcases and direct implementation to drive smart manufacturing across Illinois.
“We aim to equip Illinois manufacturers with the tools they need to enhance efficiency, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and remain competitive in an evolving world,” said David Boulay, Ph.D., President of IMEC. “We are privileged to work closely with the state of Illinois, leveraging the expertise of the IMEC team to drive smart manufacturing practices across the state.”
Through this funding, 30 manufacturers will have the opportunity to demonstrate the applications of smart technology and showcase best practices for other manufacturers. The possibilities of high-performance computing in SMMs will be explored through a pilot program in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory.
“By investing in our manufacturing capabilities, we’re securing our economic future and ensuring that the United States remains a formidable force on the global stage,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “Today’s announced funding through the Department of Energy for the Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program will accelerate Illinois’ adoption of smart manufacturing technology, provide skills training to 200 individuals, and fortify our manufacturing sector.”
The program is expected to provide training to 200 individuals in smart technologies and provide them with new in-demand skills and pilot a smart manufacturing intern corp. On top of that, at least 40% of the benefits of SMLP will directly support the underrepresented and underserved communtieis.
“From creating good-paying, local jobs to increasing sustainability and strengthening our supply chains—investing in clean, smart manufacturing has a positive ripple effect for hardworking Illinois families and our nation,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “I’m proud to see that, with this federal investment, the Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program will now be able to provide workforce development training, technical support and financial assistance to local manufacturers across our state.”