Peters Statement on Newly Announced Manufacturing Institute in Southeast Michigan

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Gary Peters released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced that Michigan had been selected as one of the first three locations in the nation to launch a manufacturing innovation institute. The Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation Institute is expected to bring over 10,000 jobs to the region and will open this Spring in Canton, Michigan.

"Michigan's future and economic success depends on smart investments in our manufacturing sector. This new manufacturing institute validates that Michigan is a technology and innovation hub, and it will help in creating jobs and strengthening our middle class. The Administration picked Southeast Michigan for this consortium of businesses and universities because we have the innovative workforce ready to pioneer new development and research."

The public-private partnership to be headquartered in Southeast Michigan will bring together the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, the Ohio-based manufacturing technology nonprofit EWI and more than 50 other companies, universities and nonprofits across the U.S. The institute will support the production of advanced lightweight materials across a number of industries, to be used for automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships and aerospace vehicles for both the commercial and military sectors. Lightweight materials increase fuel efficiency, enhance safety and improve performance. The institute will also focus on research and workforce training.

Peters has been an outspoken champion for domestic manufacturing and the U.S. auto industry. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Peters was instrumental in securing the government loans needed to restructure GM and Chrysler in 2009. The restructuring of GM alone, saved 1.5 million U.S. jobs.

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