In February 2019, OMEP became a member of the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center, Research and Development (OMIC R&D).
OMIC R&D is a world-class collaborative environment bringing together industry, higher education and government in partnership to develop new tools, techniques, and technologies to address near-term manufacturing challenges through applied research and advanced technical training. OMIC R&D is modeled after the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) in partnership with Boeing in Sheffield, England. The OMIC R&D collaborative partnership is located in Scappoose, Oregon in a facility owned and administered by the Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech).
OMIC R&D is the fifteenth innovation research collaborative established with Boeing leadership worldwide, and the first Boeing has sponsored in the United States. Its mission is to bring together manufacturing companies and higher education in an innovative environment to solve the advanced manufacturing challenges facing the industry. Faculty and university students undertake ‘outside-in’ applied research to solve real production problems while training the next generation of engineers and technologists to meet the high demand for skilled workers in advanced metals manufacturing. Member companies pool resources and knowledge with researchers to create a highly dynamic and innovative R&D center with access to the most advanced equipment and tools.
OMEP joined twenty-three other OMIC R&D industry and university members in this unique collaboration: ATI; Blount; IMS Software International; Boeing; CG Tech; Daimler Trucks North America; HAIMER, Hangsterfer’s Laboratories, Inc.; Kennametal; Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; Oregon Institute of Technology; Oregon State University; OSG USA, Inc; Portland State University; Sandvik Coromant; Schaeffer Oil; Seco Tools; Silver Eagle Manufacturing; Sugino; Summit Manufacturing Inc.; Vigor; Walter Tools; WFL Millturn Technologies; and ZOLLER Inc.
Aaron Fox, OMEP president said,
“OMEP works side by side with Oregon manufacturers to build successful businesses in the state, so we fully align with OMIC R&D’s mission to increase innovation in Oregon. We’re excited about opening up access to small and mid-sized manufacturers to OMIC R&D’s advanced tools and technology that will allow their businesses to grow. To increase innovation, Oregon manufacturers also need access to the type of skilled workers OMIC is building through the training arm of the organization. The OMEP board and staff are eager to work in partnership with OMIC’s leadership and staff and see how we can further extend manufacturing success in the state.”
Craig Campbell, executive director of OMIC R&D said, “There’s a really great alignment and synergy between the work and principles of OMEP and OMIC R&D. Because OMEP’s outreach spans a broad spectrum of industry sectors they can help us extend our role and presence with businesses that we probably wouldn’t connect with as quickly. Their expertise will also be tremendously valuable to OMIC R&D’s members, extending their understanding of and access to a broader range of manufacturing support resources, including some of the top minds in this sector to help us all be more successful in growing manufacturing in Oregon.”
OMEP is looking forward to being part of this exciting project and connecting the OMEP Network to opportunities and resources that OMIC R&D will provide for manufacturing in the State of Oregon. For more information visit www.OMIC.us
