Chris Holman welcomes Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI.Watch Tom and Chris discuss Project DIAMOnD and how it is accelerating digital transformation in Michigan manufacturing with 3D printing, training, and innovation through Automation Alley, in the YouTube video shared below:

Chris had several things he wanted to catch up on with Tom:

Q. Before we get started, can you remind our listeners what Project DIAMOnD is?

Project DIAMOnD –which stands for distributed, independent, agile manufacturing on demand – is an initiative powered by Automation Alley and funded by Oakland County, Michigan.

Project DIAMOnD was developed in October 2020 to accelerate digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers. In Phase I of the program, which was funded by $10 million from Oakland County and $2 million from Macomb County, Automation Alley distributed 300 3D printers to small- and mid-size manufacturers at no cost, provided workforce training, and networked the printers to be used to fulfill emergency orders at scale.

In 2021, the network concept was validated, as it printed and shipped 8,000 tourniquet parts to fulfill a request from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The parts allowed for the assembling of more than 2,600 tourniquets to help those in need of medical assistance during the Russian assault on Ukraine.

Q: Project DIAMOnD recently opened a Digital Transformation Center in Auburn Hills. Can you tell us more about this?

Of course! It provides companies access to industrial 3D printing equipment, training and support. The new Digital Transformation Center (DTC) is supported by Geofabrica, an Auburn Hills, Michigan business that specializes in the development of custom 3D printing systems and processes for industrial applications. Through the DTC, Project DIAMOnD companies will have access to additive manufacturing courses, a team of experts, and access to additional 3D printers to test and make products.

Q: Wow, so this center is really helping to transform the region and state into a magnet for advanced manufacturing and training. What can companies learn at this center?

At the Digital Transformation Center, Project DIAMOnD participants will learn how to transform their businesses from a capital and process-based mindset to a design and intellectual property mindset facilitated by 3D printing. This encompasses having an opportunity to launch and validate products before investing in industrial additive manufacturing equipment. They will also retain access to 3D print and post-process products, without the burden of owning and operating complex equipment.

Q: What else does the DTC provide?

Beyond 3D printing equipment, the DTC will provide access to industrial 3D scanners and advanced modeling and measurement software. Companies will also be able to upload and order parts through the DTC.

Q: What companies are eligible to use the center? How can companies get involved in Project DIAMOnD?

At this time, Project DIAMOnD is open exclusively to small- and medium-sized companies located in Oakland County. However, if you're outside Oakland County, don't hesitate to apply! We're keen to gauge interest and may expand the program to your area in the future.

Don't Miss Out on the Future of Manufacturing! Sign Up Now for Exclusive Access to:
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To learn more about Project DIAMOnD, or if you are a small- or medium-sized manufacturer interested in joining the program, visit projectdiamond.org

Q: Can you tell us a little more about the history of Project DIAMOnD and the recognition it has received over the years?

The program’s goal was to accelerate digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers by providing companies with 3D printers and establishing a connected network for production. The program has gained recognition for its effectiveness, receiving additional funding from Oakland County and recommendations from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for statewide expansion. In 2023, Oakland County provided an additional $15 million in funding, and, in May, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for the program to be expanded statewide.

In June, Project DIAMOnD was cited as a “scalable model,” in a report released by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a non-partisan, non-profit organization that recommends ways to make America’s manufacturing ecosystem more globally competitive.

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Here is a release with more details!

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., September 2024 – Project DIAMOnD, a 3D printing initiative in partnership with Automation Alley and Oakland County, has opened a Digital Transformation Center in Auburn Hills that provides companies access to industrial 3D printing equipment, training and support.

The new Digital Transformation Center (DTC) is supported by Geofabrica, an Auburn Hills, Michigan business that specializes in the development of custom 3D printing systems and processes for industrial applications. Through the DTC, Project DIAMOnD companies will have access to additive manufacturing courses, a team of experts, and access to additional 3D printers to test and make products.

“At the Digital Transformation Center, Project DIAMOnD participants will learn how to transform their businesses from a capital and process-based mindset to a design and intellectual property mindset facilitated by 3D printing. This encompasses having an opportunity to launch and validate products before investing in industrial additive manufacturing equipment,” said Pavan Muzumdar, Project DIAMOnD CEO and Automation Alley COO. “They will also retain access to 3D print and post-process products, without the burden of owning and operating complex equipment.”

Beyond 3D printing equipment, the DTC will provide access to industrial 3D scanners and advanced modeling and measurement software. Companies will also be able to upload and order parts through the DTC.

”Project DIAMOnD has already provided more than 300 companies with the 3D printers that have allowed them to become more competitive in a global marketplace,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “And the Digital Transformation Center builds on the success that is helping transform the region and state into a magnet for advanced manufacturing and training.”

Project DIAMOnD has been capturing the attention and support of businesses and government since it was established in 2020 by Oakland and Macomb counties.

The program’s goal was to accelerate digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers by providing companies with 3D printers and establishing a connected network for production. In 2023, Oakland County provided an additional $15 million in funding, and, in May, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for the program to be expanded statewide.

In June, Project DIAMOnD was cited as a “scalable model,” in a report released by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a non-partisan, non-profit organization that recommends ways to make America’s manufacturing ecosystem more globally competitive.

To learn more about Project DIAMOnD and to apply to participate in the program, visit projectdiamond.org.

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.

About Automation Alley
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.

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. Visit automationalley.com.

About Oakland County Economic Development
Oakland County, Michigan is a world-leading center for business that is home to leaders in the mobility, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries. With over 800 foreign-owned companies from 39 countries, Oakland is a highly diverse and international community that boasts one of the highest concentrations of commercial designers and industrial engineers in the U.S.A. Companies located in Oakland lead the world in next generation automotive manufacturing and automotive-related research and development. Oakland County is home to approximately 12 percent of Michigan’s population and accounts for more than 20 percent of the state’s GDP, making it the State of Michigan’s economic engine.

Strategically located in the center of Southeast Michigan, Oakland provides innovative programs and access to resources to support local industry and build its economic base. Contact the Oakland County team at info@advantageoakland.com or to learn more visit: https://www.oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland.