Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on Sunday joined Governor Robert Bentley of Alabama, the National Governors Association (NGA) Economic Development and Commerce Committee and manufacturing leaders to discuss ways states can improve opportunities to expand advanced manufacturing opportunities across the country, as part of ongoing economic development strategies.
“New technologies have ushered in a manufacturing renaissance in our country and have encouraged growth in the advanced manufacturing sector,” Tomblin, chair of the EDC committee, said. “These technologies provide the latest opportunities to increase economic growth, focus on job creation and foster economic development across the country. In West Virginia, we are working with private investors to ensure the continued growth of these advanced manufacturing opportunities to develop a skilled, competitive workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Tomblin noted that efforts to expand public-private partnerships across the state give businesses access to high-tech resources they could never afford on their own. These partnerships, like the Advanced Technology Center at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College and Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, offer a variety of applications including 3-D printing, robotics and world-class machine tooling and training that assist large manufacturers to small independent artists and budding entrepreneurs.
Joining Tomblin at the committee work session were Millie Marshall, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Inc. and Mark Hatch, CEO and co-founder of TechShop. During the discussion portion of the committee work session, Marshall touted West Virginia’s ongoing workforce development efforts as supporting Toyota’s ongoing manufacturing efforts in the state.
“Toyota West Virginia is very proud to be included in the National Governor’s Association panel discussion which provided an opportunity to share information about our Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) Program,” Marshall said. “We are hopeful the information shared will inspire other states and manufacturers to implement similar programs by working together with local businesses, schools and elected officials. Not only does the AMT program help increase the number of skilled workers that are critical for manufacturing success, it also can serve as a pathway to Engineering and Business four year degrees.”
The committee work session provided governors with the chance to engage with leaders in manufacturing, research, and capital access in a conversation on innovative ways to regionalize advanced manufacturing opportunities. The session also focused on sharing successful manufacturing strategies individual states have used to boost innovation and commercialization of businesses across the country.
