The Detroit Regional Chamber's annual Mackinac Policy Conference.

Chris Holman speaks with Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference.

Watch Tom and Chris discuss his organization, recent activity and what they are experiencing in 2024, along with what he expected out of the #MPC24, - click play on the YouTube video below.

Counties will scale up Automation Alley's unprecedented network of 3D printers, delivering on governor’s vision to build the “Infrastructure for Innovation” businesses need to lower costs, boost output   

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.— Governor Gretchen Whitmer brought leaders from Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties together to announce their commitment to an expansion of Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD, a shared network of 3D printers that small manufacturers in all three counties can use to lower their costs and scale up their businesses, with a goal of eventual statewide expansion. This announcement is part of the governor’s vision to build out the “Infrastructure for Innovation,” shared technology or resources that entrepreneurs and businesses can use to grow in Michigan.   

“Today’s commitment by Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties to expand Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD will help us grow our economy, lower costs for small businesses, and build out the ‘Infrastructure for Innovation’ we need to lead the future,” said Governor Whitmer. “Looking forward, we can build on this momentum and expand this network of 3D printers statewide. At this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, I am focused on unleashing Michigan innovation to solve some of the biggest problems we face and grow the cutting-edge industries that will help us lead the future while recruiting and retaining top talent to Michigan. Together, we will continue bringing public and private sector partners together to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses compete on a global scale. Let’s get it done.”  

“Project DIAMOnD was inspired during the dark days of COVID, born out of frustration about supply chain issues and dependency on oversees manufacturing,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “It is giving Oakland County businesses access to 3D printing technology and training that is allowing them to dramatically cut production time and costs as well as keep manufacturing right here in Michigan. After our initial investment of $25 million over two phases, we are thrilled that Macomb, Wayne, and the State of Michigan are joining the program to make it a regional and statewide priority - and an opportunity for global competitiveness.”   

“We are pleased to partner with all the stakeholders on this very important initiative—Project DIAMOnD—an innovative move that will help increase access to 3D printing technology to Wayne County’s more than 300 manufacturing companies,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Southeast Michigan has long been a national leader in manufacturing and automation, and in Wayne County, we are committed to keeping it that way. Making new technology more accessible is a significant step toward continuing our state’s history of innovation. I look forward to working with the state and our neighboring counties to help build upon our region’s successes and make Southeast Michigan a sought after destination for people to live, work and do business.”   

“The foundation and future of our economic advantage in Southeast Michigan is advanced manufacturing,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “With world-class facilities and unrivaled talent, Macomb County is a destination where, from concept to consumer, no one does it better. This expansion of Project DIAMOnD statewide will strengthen our network of innovators with the cutting-edge tools and digital systems that will ensure we continue to be a leader in this space.”   

“Project DIAMOnD represents the future of manufacturing. Through cutting-edge 3D printing technology, comprehensive training, and access to a vast network of industry leaders, Project DIAMOnD is empowering small- and medium-sized manufacturers to accelerate their digital transformation,” said Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley. “With support from Oakland County, and collaboration from the State and Macomb and Wayne Counties, we are putting our flag in the ground and building the world's largest additive manufacturing ecosystem—right here in Michigan.”  

Expanding Project DIAMOnD 

 Project DIAMOnD, which stands for Distributed, Independent, Agile Manufacturing on Demand, is a unique partnership forged by Automation Alley that was kickstarted in 2020 with federal funding thanks to Executive Dave Coulter’s pioneering leadership in Oakland County.    

Now, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties have committed to expanding it with federal funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The expansion will help the more than 9,100 small manufacturers across all three counties access a network of 3D printers that many hundreds of local businesses have already used to lower costs, increase  production efficiency, or grow their businesses. Ultimately, the goal is statewide expansion, so small manufacturers across Michigan—in all 83 counties—can access this network. Getting this done would make Michigan a national model.