ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Tuesday, a statewide organization brought the latest advancements in manufacturing to Escanaba.
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) hosted a Making Michigan Innovation Expo at Bay College. The agenda was filled with presentations and demonstrations aimed at local companies, industry partners, and even students.
“It’s a lot easier to understand a cobot or a robot when you can actually see it in action and see how easy it is to program instead of thinking that you have to have a bunch of rocket scientists on your staff,” said MMTC Senior Business Advisor Ryan Galerneau.
Galerneau says “demystifying” the technology can encourage manufacturers to adopt new developments in automation, cybersecurity, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
“It’s not really an option anymore,” he said. “In order to stay competitive, you kind of have to have this technology in-house. We just want to bring everybody together and show them the options of what technology is available. Then, some of our partners have funding options that kind of help offset some of the capital costs as well.”
Partners like Bay College equip the people who utilize the technology on the job.
“Bay College is really focused on the community need— not just locally, but regionally—and what we can be doing to really strengthen the workforce for the U.P.,” said Cindy Gallagher, Vice President of Workforce Innovation & Strategic Partnerships at Bay College. “This event is in direct alignment with what we are trying to do as an institution and the work that we’re already doing.”
Despite being a more rural part of the state, Galerneau says the Upper Peninsula is home to a unique and important manufacturing sector.
“Down in Detroit, a lot of it’s more automotive focused,” he said. “Once you get north of Saginaw, obviously lumber is big, but then you also have medical device stuff going on in Marquette, aluminum extruders in Gwinn, Orbion doing their jet propulsion stuff for satellites in Houghton. You have a wide variety, so it’s kind of cool.”
By adapting as technology continues to advance, he believes the U.P. can keep that momentum going well into the future.
“In order to operate up here—or operate really anywhere—you need this technology and you need some of this expertise here to kind of help you maintain that competitive edge,” Galerneau said.
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center hosts events regularly throughout the state. To learn more about how the organization works to help Michigan manufacturers, visit the-center.org.
