(KNOXVILLE, Tenn. and CLEVELAND, Ohio) — The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation and Tooling U-SME, a leading provider of manufacturing training solutions, have formed a new partnership to expand the availability of advanced training for the composites manufacturing workforce. As part of a new agreement, the organizations — along with IACMI’s members — will work together to leverage the progress of composites technology, while gaining an understanding of the needs of this sector and subsequently develop solutions that will best serve the workforce.

“We recognize that the opportunities and growth potential in composites manufacturing is great, which is why we strategically align our efforts with leading organizations to accelerate the development and adoption of this cutting-edge technology,” said Bryan G. Dods, CEO, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation. “By combining our knowledge of composites technology with the learning and development expertise of Tooling U-SME, we’ll be able to provide unparalleled advanced training programs to ensure the vitality of the U.S. workforce.”

The IACMI is the fifth technology hub in the Manufacturing USA network and is comprised of over 150 members, including educational institutions and small-to-medium-sized manufacturing companies, some of which are Tooling U-SME clients focused on composites.

The composite materials market in the U.S. grew by 3.7 percent last year, reaching $8 billion in value, and is expected to grow to $10.6 billion by 2022. Increased demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles, progression in new construction, upgrade of old infrastructures and rising demand for wind energy are key contributors to this growth, mostly in the aerospace and defense, wind energy and transportation sectors.

To kick off the partnership as the market transforms, Tooling U-SME will begin deploying its existing customized learning and development programs to the IACMI’s full membership base.

“Our organizations bring great strengths to the table, and we’re committed to working together to increase technological breakthroughs and build a healthy workforce, so the industry continues to thrive,” said Jeannine Kunz, vice president of Tooling U-SME. “There’s a lot to learn in the composites market, and we chose to partner with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation because of its leadership in this growing sector.”

The changes taking place in manufacturing require more partnering, such as the one between Tooling U-SME and IACMI, to accelerate the learning of both organizations and ultimately better serve the industry and its members.

About Tooling U-SME

Tooling U-SME delivers versatile, competency-based learning and development solutions to the manufacturing community, working with more than half of all Fortune 500® manufacturing companies, as well as 600 educational institutions across the country. Tooling U-SME partners with customers to build high performers who help their companies drive quality, productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Working directly with hundreds of high schools, community colleges, and universities, Tooling U-SME is also able to help prepare the next generation workforce by providing industry-driven curriculum. A division of SME, an organization that connects people to manufacturing solutions, Tooling U-SME can be found at toolingu.com, facebook.com/toolingu or follow @ToolingU on Twitter.

About IACMI-The Composites Institute

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation (CCS), is a partnership of industry, universities, national laboratories, and federal, state and local governments working together to benefit the nation’s energy and economic security by sharing existing resources and co-investing to accelerate development and commercial deployment of advanced composites. CCS is a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation. The national Manufacturing USA institute is supported by a $70 million commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, and over $180 million committed from IACMI’s partners. 

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If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at communications@sme.org.