\n\tPresident Obama is hosting an event at the White House today to announce new steps in a partnership with the private sector to boost advanced manufacturing and strengthen U.S. defense capabilities. ASM International’s (Materials Park, Ohio) managing director Thom Passek will attend to represent the technical society at today’s ceremony.<\/p>\n
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\n\tThe President will announce two new manufacturing innovation institutes led by the Department of Defense and supported by a $140 million Federal commitment combined with more than $140 million in non-federal resources: (1) Detroit-area headquartered consortium of businesses and universities, with a focus on lightweight and modern metals manufacturing; (2) Chicago headquartered consortium of businesses and universities that will concentrate on digital manufacturing and design technologies.<\/p>\n
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\n\tASM will be part of the consortium focusing on lightweight modern metals manufacturing. The $70 million award for the LM3I (Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation) is going to the Edison Welding Institute (EWI), Columbus, Ohio, as the lead proposer. The new consortium will involve 60 members, including leading manufacturers of aluminum, high strength steel, and titanium, along with universities and laboratories involved in research and development of lightweight metals. The Institute will seek to accomplish advanced research through partnerships among key players in industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, and energy. ASM’s specific role within the consortium will be defined over the coming months.<\/p>\n