Youngstown establishes new innovation center for additive manufacturing

A new innovation hub focusing on additive manufacturing for the aerospace and defense industry is being built in Youngstown, Ohio. The initiative will be funded with $26 million from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program and supplemented by an additional $36 million from local, state and private investment. The goal of the project is to promote economic development in the region and further strengthen Youngstown’s role as a center for research and technology in the field of additive manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing, better known as 3D printing, has significantly accelerated the production of complex and customized components. Particularly in the defense industry, this technology enables more efficient production of equipment, reduces dependence on international supply chains and increases responsiveness in the event of a crisis.

“Building on the region’s deep manufacturing roots, Youngstown has spent the last decade establishing itself as a leader in the research, development, and commercialization of additive technology,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “With support from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program, partners will now have added capacity to drive critical advancements in the defense and aerospace industries by transforming the way military equipment is made and strengthening our country’s national defense supply chains.”

Additional funding will come from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. A total of USD 1.2 million will be used to support the design and engineering of the new innovation center. The AMLER program supports economic development projects in regions that have historically been shaped by coal mining. These funds will help to modernize existing infrastructure and equip the new center with the necessary resources.

Back in February 2023, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, known as America Makes, formed a coalition with local business organizations, educational institutions and policy makers to advocate for funding for the innovation center. The city of Youngstown has made a name for itself in recent years through numerous additive manufacturing projects. The decision for the new innovation hub underscores the city’s importance as a location for research and technological development.

“Partners in this region have been laying the foundation for the Youngstown Innovation Hub for years, and it’s incredibly moving to see their hard work pay off,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “Today’s announcement is a victory for this community, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”