2017 Issue

37 U tah’s rich history in composite materials began over 50 years ago with the manufacture of lightweight components for the strate- gic missile programs in the 1950s and with the carbon fibers to make those missiles. Since then, Utah has grown to be one of the largest concentrations of composites companies in the nation, providing home to significant compa- nies like Orbital ATK, Boeing, Hexcel, Albany Engineered Composites, Radi- us Engineering, Janicki, Zodiak, ENVE, Kihomac, Hill Air Force Base, and many others. Utah companies serve nation- al and international markets, from aerospace to recreation, commercial to Department of Defense (DoD) and encompass more than 12,000 workers in the state. With this rich history of over 50 years, Utah has a worldwide reputation as one of the leading centers of innova- tion in the development and advance- ment of these materials. However, for this regional industry to further grow, expand, and stay competitive in this industry, improve- ments are needed in how Utah’s advanced materials supply chain U tah A dvanced M aterials and M anufacturing I nitiative : Building on Utah’s Long History in Advanced Materials Angie Tymofichuk and Brent Strong, SAMPE and ecosystem works, as well as improve- ments in the quality and quantity of its workforce supply. Utah aims to strengthen its current leadership in composite manufactur- ing by augmenting its already strong ecosystem and focusing on needed improvements through the Utah Ad- vanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI). UAMMI is a 501(c) 6 non-profit, state-sponsored, industry-led organi- zation founded to bring together the various stakeholders in the advanced composites market in Utah. UAMMI has over 60 participants including: • Advanced material manufacturers and suppliers • Manufacturers of aerospace components, medical devices, industrial products, recreational products and other products con- taining advanced materials • Composite manufacturing equip- ment manufacturers • Military installations • Service, design and analysis companies • SAMPE • Universities • Applied technology colleges • Community colleges • K-12 school districts and the state office of education • Government representatives from both state and local offices • Utah’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) • Utah Manufacturers Association UAMMI brings together these public, private, community, industry and edu- cation partners to assure growth and sustainability of Utah’s composites industry, one of Utah’s most import- ant manufacturing clusters. The US Department of Commerce recently designated UAMMI as one of its 24 Investing in Manufacturing Commu- nity Partnerships (IMCP), formally rec- ognizing Utah’s leadership in growing the advanced materials and manufac- turing ecosystem. Advanced materials range from composites such as carbon and glass fibers, to ceramics and polymers that are made using advanced manufac- turing techniques including filament winding, automated fiber placement, and automated tape laying. These materials hold the key to our careful stewardship of the earth and its re- sources. As we use advanced materi- als to lighten, strengthen, and stiffen products, we lower energy consump- tion and develop new energy sources. We also continue to strengthen our technological leadership. UAMMI's Goals Through an initial survey of many Utah composite companies, the following goals were identified for the Initiative: 1. Give members better visibility to the composites supply chain; 2. Help companies improve their workforce supply; 3. Enrich the networking capability of companies; and