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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Siemens PLM Software Joins Digital Lab for Manufacturing’s Initiative in Chicago, Illinois

02/25/2014
A plan to design a $320 million Digital Lab for Manufacturing in Chicago, Illinois, will receive $70 million through a U.S. Department of Defense cooperative agreement. The $70 million award will be leveraged by additional commitments of $250 million from industry, academia, government and community partners.

The Digital Lab will be the nation’s flagship research institute for Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation, applying cutting-edge technologies to reduce the time and cost of manufacturing, strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. supply chain, and reduce acquisition costs for the Department of Defense. The Digital Lab will be housed in Chicago, with a network of world-class technology companies as well as defense and commercial manufacturers, and research sites across the United States.

President Barack Obama announced the agreement as part of his initiative to invigorate manufacturing by creating next-generation job opportunities. Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, was named the only supplier of product lifecycle management software to serve as a top tier partner for the Digital Lab.

“Siemens is proud to be both a technology partner and investor in the Digital Lab which is designed to drive innovation and America’s manufacturing resurgence,” said Chuck Grindstaff, CEO of Siemens PLM Software. “Siemens software is delivering enhanced productivity, increased efficiency, a quicker time to market and more flexibility. As the sole PLM supplier serving as a Tier One partner, Siemens will provide ongoing strategic leadership and manpower to help bring both the potential and the vision of the Digital Lab to fruition.”

According to Simens officials the investment is part of President Obama’s effort to re-invigorate U.S. manufacturing, create new jobs and economic development, and spur future innovation.

“Today’s manufacturing industry is one of the most sophisticated, highly skilled, and innovative areas of business in the world today because software has radically transformed the manufacturing process,” said Eric Spiegel, Sresident and CEO, Siemens Corp. “Software and technology won’t just help the U.S. manufacture the most advanced products in the world; with the proper emphasis on training it will also help us manufacture a new middle class. The Digital Lab will serve as an economic catalyst in the region and across the country.”

Siemens recently made a $440 million PLM software grant to Youngstown State University which will help students at the America Makes manufacturing innovation hub in Youngstown, Ohio. This center is devoted to incorporating 3-D printing in mainstream American manufacturing and will provide students with hands-on use of PLM software in fields such as robotics design, computer-aided engineering and additive manufacturing.

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