Rep. Schneider: New Digital Institute Helps Illinois Lead on Advanced Manufacturing

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on the White House's official announcement that Chicago will be the home of the new Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute. The Institute is a public-private partnership involving government, universities and the private sector. The federal government will issue a grant for $70 million and state and private entities will provide another $250 million.

"Bolstering our manufacturing sector and supporting innovation are key to helping our economy grow," Schneider said. "The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute positions Illinois to be a national leader in advanced manufacturing. Bringing our education and industry leaders together, the Institute will be a powerful engine for innovative research and cutting-edge ideas to strengthen and improve American manufacturing technology and create the high-skilled jobs we need to be competitive in the 21st Century economy."

Rep. Schneider has been a leader on advancing manufacturing growth in Congress, working to create local manufacturing partnerships and introducing legislation to bridge the skills gap and expand on-the-job training.

In August, Rep. Schneider sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, urging him to tap Illinois for the Institute. To view the letter, click here.

Illinois Tool Works, which is headquartered in Glenview, is an industry partner of the Institute. UPS and Honeywell are also partners, both of which have locations in the Tenth District.

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