Recently, I had the pleasure of talking with Jacob Bonwell, CEO of ATC Manufacturing, and Maria Lusardi, marketing director with Lakeside Companies, about what’s happening with the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) Tech Hub.
If you recall, the AAMMC consortium is one of 31 Regional Tech Hubs selected from a pool of 400 EDA Tech Hub applicants. Each of the designated Regional Tech Hubs is focused specifically on improving — or supercharging, if you will — the technology ecosystem in their area and working towards being a global leader in that technology. Maria, Jacob and I had only 30 minutes, so we got right to discussing the timeline and funding process, workforce development and training programming, and the technological advancements and global competition that this region is up against compared to Europe and Asia.
Today, the AAMMC is awaiting acceptance of their Phase 2 application that was submitted back in February of 2024. However, the critical piece, according to Maria, was “getting the designation in Phase 1, because the designation is permanent.” This is a pivotal milestone for the region as it ensures a future for additional EDA funding and attracting investment opportunities, creating a foundation for ongoing development and innovation.
What does all this mean in dollars? The EDA is expected to distribute $480 million in grants to five to ten designated Tech Hubs; awards of $40 to $70million will be announced this summer, with distribution expected in the fall. In addition, major OEM industry partners in our region have committed to match a portion of the funding.
Other financial and policy support is coming in from local universities, banks, airports, economic development organizations, city governments, and elected officials, as well as a number of local manufacturing organizations, such as Jacob’s ATC Manufacturing, and many others. This tech hub is poised to move forward with its program, whether or not the Phase 2 application is accepted — an incredible accomplishment that will ripple across the region for years to come.
Switching gears to workforce development, one of the things I hear most from the supply chain is that they are in need of skilled workers. Jacob assures, “Upskilling our current workforce is crucial to maintaining our competitive edge in the aerospace industry.” The AAMMC is committed to educating and growing the skills of our current workforce and ensuring they are equipped with the necessary expertise to meet the demands of advanced aerospace manufacturing technologies, including a special focus on thermoplastic composite (TPC) aerospace materials and high-rate production solutions.
This training center will be the only site in the world with all the necessary tools and equipment under one roof, making it a singular resource for advancing manufacturing technology and accelerating production. This streamlines the entire process from development to production.
How is the AAMMC attracting interest in the training program? The AAMMC is partnering with educational institutions supporting kindergarten through university-level students. This collaboration helps develop specialized curricula, provides hands-on training opportunities, and facilitates internships and apprenticeships specifically for aerospace manufacturing. They are also actively working to engage with underserved communities, working with minority-serving institutions, and creating educational and career opportunities for underrepresented groups in the region.
The center is specifically coordinating with Tribal nations to ensure indigenous communities benefit from the training and job opportunities. Part of this involves developing culturally appropriate training programs and supporting economic development within these communities.
Finally, we discussed technological advancements and global competition. Maria says, “The development of next-generation lightweight materials is critical to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for NASA and the aerospace industry. Investment in technology development, validation, and the ability to manufacture at scale is essential to satisfy both current and future domestic production requirements … advancing technological solutions at the AAMMC is a key part of that strategy.”
Equipped with the latest technology, the center will support the full-scale fabrication of advanced thermoplastic composite (TPC) aero-structures. This includes sophisticated machinery for manufacturing ribs, beams, doors, bulkheads, and stiffened skins, all crucial components in aerospace. The facility will enable end-to-end production capabilities, encompassing everything from initial design and prototyping to final product certification. This holistic approach ensures that every stage of production is optimized for efficiency and quality.
Jacob says, “While American industry has proven the reduced cost and weight of thermoplastic composites in both commercial and defense applications, the U.S. lacks the infrastructure to demonstrate scalability, meet domestic demands, and compete globally for high-rate composite fabrication of larger aero-structures. However, the U.S. has the potential to overtake international competition through strategic partnerships and shared resources like the AAMMC effort.” Maria goes on to say, “By establishing the AAMMC, we are positioning ourselves to not only keep pace with but also surpass our international competitors in high-rate production of advanced thermoplastic composite aero-structures. With the AAMMC’s capabilities, we aim to turn the tide in favor of American aerospace manufacturing, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological innovation and production efficiency.”
In conclusion, my discussions with Jacob Bonwell and Maria Lusardi shed light on the significant strides the AAMMC Tech Hub is making towards positioning the American aerospace manufacturing industry at the forefront of global innovation. With the Phase 2 application pending, the foundation laid by the initial designation already ensures a promising future for this tech hub. The collaborative efforts in workforce development, technological advancement, and strategic partnerships underscore a commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. The anticipated funding and matching investments from industry partners highlight robust support and belief in the AAMMC’s vision. As the only facility worldwide equipped with comprehensive tools for advanced thermoplastic composite manufacturing, the AAMMC stands as a beacon of innovation, ready to lead the region into a new era of aerospace excellence. This endeavor not only promises economic growth but also exemplifies the potential of Pacific Northwest ingenuity and determination to lead in the global aerospace sector.
