Indiana Manufacturing
Competitiveness Center

IN-MaC creates a stronger, more competitive manufacturing ecosystem for Indiana and the nation. IN-MaC does so by mobilizing its resources, expertise and network to strengthen the relationship between workforce education, technology adoption, and manufacturing research to elevate Indiana as the manufacturing destination of choice.

Manufacturing is an economic engine that drives innovation and prosperity while improving our quality of life with a wide range of useful products. The United States enjoyed a lead in manufacturing for over 100 years – a lead that has since eroded as others have taken advantage of lower-wage labor markets plus other factors to draw industry away from the heartland. It is imperative that Indiana reassert its leadership in manufacturing by leveraging our talents to leap-frog to the top of global competitiveness by mainstreaming new technologies and modern practices while cultivating a more competitive and capable workforce. Hosted by Purdue University and delivered in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University, the Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) aims to catalyze growth and reinvigorate the American dream for future generations. We do so by addressing challenges such as: shortage of trained workers capable of filling open positions; integration of modern technologies and practices throughout the value chain; and smart investments in research with near-term applications to strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem.

Areas of concentration include Education & Workforce Development (E&WD), Technology Adoption and Transfer (TA), and Research for Future Competitiveness (RFC).

Key Impacts:

• Micro-Grant program provides funding to organizations that implement manufacturing initiatives that enhance all 12 Indiana Economic Development regions. Impact to over 114,685 youth (K-12), post-secondary students, and incumbent workforce across Indiana.
• Design and Innovation Studios implemented within manufacturing facilities and K-8 schools across the state of Indiana.
• Trained 76 high school educators in an advanced manufacturing program who have impacted more than 2,280 students.
• Summer Internship program has connected 150 post-secondary students to 25 manufacturers across Indiana.
• Tech Adoption program serviced 82 manufacturing sites across Indiana with a cumulative benefit of $26,400,000 and 121 jobs added or retained.
• Supported membership in four Manufacturing USA Institutes resulting in 12 awards totaling $11,210,000 from a $2M investment (5.6x benefit).
• Invested in five industry consortia with 26 paying industry members that have received $750,000 in gifts (5.1x benefit).

Micro-Grant Application

IN-MaC has launched a Digital Manufacturing Testbed that will:

• Conduct research to address digital connectivity barriers and overcome chronic challenges related to Industry 4.0
• Be a demonstration space for the “art of the possible” in a more interconnected enterprise, especially for small and medium sized companies
• Host next generation manufacturing seminars and courses to develop the manufacturing workforce
• Provide technical expertise and production capacity for Indiana startups to scale products locally
• Testbed Introduction