Movers & Makers: Manufacturing Readiness Grants funding availability, new Industry 4.0 video case study and more!

Furniture manufacturer Jasper Group embraces robotics for Industry 4.0 transformation

Jasper Group, a Southern Indiana furniture manufacturer, is embracing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to revolutionize material handling at its Orleans plant. With the help of local technology integrator Robotic Solutions and a $98,000 Manufacturing Readiness Grants award, Jasper Group has optimized processes, improved efficiency and upskilled employees—highlighting how technology adoption can support job growth and workforce development.

Learn more about how Jasper Group used a Manufacturing Readiness Grants award to propel its manufacturing processes into Industry 4.0.?

There's still time to apply for a Manufacturing Readiness Grants award

Looking to innovate for the future? Learn how Manufacturing Readiness Grants (MRG) are helping Indiana manufacturers increase productivity and enter new markets. Now in its fourth year, the MRG program has distributed $57 million to 465 companies, accounting for 5% of Indiana’s 9,400 manufacturers.

Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg recently praised the program, stating, “The Manufacturing Readiness Grants program has proven year after year to be a tremendous asset for manufacturers of all sizes in every corner of the state. These grants are enabling manufacturers to modernize their operations, bring efficiencies into their systems and keep Indiana businesses at the forefront of Industry 4.0.”?

Download a fact sheet , view reference materials and apply today.

Electrifying internships: A win-win for employer, students and Greenfield community

Hitachi Astemo in Greenfield, Indiana, is not just preparing for the future of electric vehicles; they’re cultivating the next generation of skilled workers to power it.

Through an innovative internship program in collaboration with Eastern Hancock Schools, Hitachi Astemo is bridging the gap between education and advanced manufacturing careers. High school students gain hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving industry, while the company benefits from fresh perspectives and a potential pipeline of talent.

Discover how Hitachi Astemo’s internship program is transforming futures.

Reflecting on the Center for Automotive Research's MBS 2024

Fresh from Traverse City, Fred Cartwright, President and CEO of Conexus Indiana, shares his key takeaways from the 2024 CAR Management Briefing Seminar (MBS). In his latest blog post, Fred dives into the critical discussions around EVs, workforce development and the future of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing sector. From panel insights to collaborative strategies across states and sectors, he offers a glimpse into how Indiana is navigating industry-wide shifts.?

Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) launched the See Yourself IN program in 2023, sharing the journeys of people who didn’t always know they’d find the life they wanted in the advanced industries, companies and jobs driving Indiana’s success.

This month, the See Yourself IN podcast featured 2023 Rising 30 honorees Adam Gushwa-Williams of Rolls-Royce and Riana Dozier of Goodwill Commercial Services, who shared their professional journeys and how they found rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.

You can listen to Adam’s episode here and Riana’s here .

In the news:

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced it is awarding more than $1 million in grants through its Community Collaboration Fund. This award includes our own new initiative, the Hardtech Innovators Network .

The Hardtech Innovators Network was created to connect Indiana’s hardtech entrepreneurs with corporate innovators working within the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries.

Full Article: IEDC awards $1M to support entrepreneurial projects