About:
Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and Digital Transformation Insight Center focused on driving the growth and success of businesses in Michigan and beyond through innovation and automation. With a global outlook and a regional focus, we foster a vibrant community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through opportunities for collaboration and learning. Our programs and services help businesses develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively jumpstart or accelerate digital transformation. By bringing together industry, academia, and government, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across Michigan.

Mission:
At Automation Alley, our mission is to help businesses thrive in the rapidly changing digital economy by equipping them with the knowledge, insights, and tools to develop a software-first mindset that leverages the power of automation, AI, and other cognitive technologies. We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and more competitive economy for the future.

– the World's Largest 3D Printing Network
by Automation Alley

Oakland County awards $15M for 3D printers for small businesses

Summary: Funding will allow more than 250 Oakland County manufacturers to join Project DIAMOnD’s 3D printing network, creating a marketplace for the growing ecosystem.
Rochester Hills, Mich., May 2023 – Oakland County has designated $15 million in funding to support Project DIAMOnD, an Oakland County initiative powered by Automation Alley, Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, to drive Phase 2 of the successful program. The announcement was made by County Executive Dave Coulter and Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD CEO Pavan Muzumdar at a press conference today at Unique Short Tree. This Rochester Hills-based company benefited from the project’s first phase.

Project DIAMOnD – Digital, Independent, Agile, Manufacturing On Demand – started in 2020 to support regional manufacturers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate digital transformation by distributing 300 3D printers to small and mid-size manufacturers – at no cost.  

The result was the creation of the world’s largest 3D printing network and the most significant effort of its kind to take small- and medium-sized manufacturers to the next level of manufacturing.

“The Project DIAMOnD program has been one of Oakland County’s most successful endeavors to help local manufacturers use advanced technology to become more adaptable, efficient, and realize significant cost savings,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This initiative is expanding so even more manufacturers can innovate and create new business opportunities and increase production of badly needed parts in an era of supply chain disruptions and shortages.”

Oakland County has 2,626 manufacturers, $13 billion in manufacturing GDP, 66,790 manufacturing jobs, and creates 1.8 indirect jobs for every manufacturing position. It estimates additive manufacturing could create 10,000 to 32,000 new skilled jobs. The three-year funding commitment is made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Additive – or 3D printing – is the future of manufacturing, and we know companies must embrace this technology to succeed long term,” said Muzumdar, who also serves as Automation Alley COO, at the event. “Phase 1 was focused on creating the ability for traditional manufacturers to accept, understand and embrace the technology. With funding from Oakland County, Phase 2 will focus on converting that ability to commercial activity while further expanding the network with new manufacturers.”

Phase 2 will provide an additional 250 3D printers to Oakland County manufacturers at no or reduced cost.

Press conference attendees saw firsthand how Unique Short Tree Design benefitted from the 3D printer they acquired as part of Phase 1. Unique Short Tree Design is a leader in the furniture lifecycle, specializing in upholstering and repair for residential and commercial customers. Owner Tammy Packard led guests through how they used their 3D printer during the pandemic when faced with supply chain issues and could not obtain critical parts.

Packard said the printer was a “savior” for the business, whose career began in traditional manufacturing. “I bypassed the supply chain during the pandemic and used 3D printing to produce parts.” The company’s new 3D design expertise today produces furniture and tufting cord fasteners.

“The journey from traditional manufacturing to digital transformation is one of the greatest challenges companies face today,” said Joe Anderson, TAG Smart Group president, and the first company to benefit from Project DIAMOnD Phase 2. “Small companies are agile but resource constrained. This program opens the door for companies like mine to transform and control our destinies with greater access to supply chains.”

TAG Smart Group is a minority and veteran-owned business with ties to the Department of Defense. “I believe this project will allow small and mid-sized manufacturers to compete with the larger original equipment manufacturers in securing DOD contracts,” he said.

Automation Alley and Project DIAMOnD will continue to work with existing partners, Markforged, Inc.; Giggso; and 3YOURMIND, and are seeking additional partners, printer manufacturers, and funders to join the program.

“Like Unique Short Tree and the dozens of other success stories from Phase 1, we want more companies to understand additive manufacturing and how you build a business around 3D printing,” said Muzumdar, adding that companies are finding that 3D printing is increasing speed-to-market, lowering costs, and reducing waste.

Oakland County-based small- and medium-sized manufacturers and engineering services, tech services, design, robotics, and integrators, are encouraged to apply for Phase 2. For more information and an application, visit projectdiamond.org.

For examples of other successful Phase 1 projects and contacts, contact Nicole Kampe, Marketing Director, Automation Alley, kampen@automationalley.com.

About Project DIAMOnD
Project DIAMOnD was established in October 2020 by Oakland County and Automation Alley through CARES Act grants of $10 million from Oakland County. $2 million additional dollars from Macomb County, allowed the current network to expand to Macomb County businesses. This program accelerates digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers and strengthened supply chains for producing PPE during the pandemic. Project DIAMOnD participating manufacturers could use the 3D printers supplied by Markforged, Inc. to expand their production of various industrial parts and products, ultimately enhancing Industry 4.0 manufacturing capabilities in Michigan and throughout the United States. Visit projectdiamond.org.