August 3, 2023 (East Hartford, Conn.) – The Department of Defense’s Office of Industrial Base Policy (IBP) Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, recently announced it has joined forces with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) to fully leverage data-driven digital capabilities to improve the cost-effectiveness and responsiveness of commercial production by the supply chain to meet DoD needs.
The Digital Thread Manufacturing Prototype Project will promote and speed the adoption of advanced technologies, skilled workforce development, and the integration of digital tools (especially in situ sensors and metrology capabilities) by current and prospective defense manufacturers. The project is a partnership between CCAT and the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, led by MCEIP’s Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) office.
The Digital Thread Manufacturing Prototype Project will enhance the application of data-driven approaches to manufacturing and workforce development efforts in small and medium-sized manufacturers and OEMs, and as such, CCAT will design, develop, provide, and operate a Northeast regional end-to-end digital thread laboratory for the purpose of digitally transforming the defense industrial base. The Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab, to commence training in January 2024, will provide critical manufacturing job-related training and career development resources, manufacturing equipment / tools / resources, and software to enable model-based definition (MBD) adoption.
To this end, CCAT will partner with Siemens, SolidWorks, MasterCam, Capvidia, and other technology providers to equip the lab with digital tool sets to enable MBD workflows through product design, manufacturing, inspection and supply chain. The ‘Digital Thread Lab’ will serve to accelerate the digital transformation of defense supply chain companies across the Northeast through awareness, development of best practices, workforce development, incorporation of technology, and innovation.
“For nearly two decades, CCAT has been delivering transformative solutions to Connecticut manufacturing companies and those throughout the region. This recognition and partnership with the DoD is the catalyst for the development of a dynamic, high-impact digital manufacturing lab where CCAT and leading technology providers will develop and demonstrate best practices and scalable models for the adoption of I4.0 digital technologies and career-based training. Strengthening Connecticut and the region’s manufacturing sector and leading national imperatives that contribute to the resiliency of the U.S. supply chain is a responsibility we are prepared to tackle.”RON ANGELO, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CCAT
“This DoD designated Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab is an engine for the nation to advance data-driven digital capabilities to improve the cost-effectiveness and responsiveness of the supply base,” said Dr. Jackie Garofano, Chief Technology Officer of CCAT. “Digital transformation drives business value: bolstering productivity and profits, accelerating time to market and strengthening supply chain resiliency. Our team is honored and excited to serve as a driving force for digitalization and MBD adoption across the regional defense industrial base.”
CCAT would like to recognize Connecticut’s congressional delegation and particularly the efforts of Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Congressman John Larson (CT-01) for supporting this transformational program to bring the DoD Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab to the state.
“$7 million in new federal funding is on its way to CCAT to help manufacturers size up their capabilities—both in terms of new technologies and their workforce—and meet the rising demands facing our defense industrial base.”CONGRESSMAN JOE COURTNEY (CT-02)
“With a long history of bolstering Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem, CCAT is the ideal partner to receive this funding to help Connecticut continue serving as a national leader for the defense industrial base. I am confident that under CCAT’s leadership, the new Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab will put Connecticut at the center of the next generation of defense programs. Today’s announcement reflects ongoing advocacy and action among my Connecticut colleagues and me to ensure this program received the funding to become a reality,” said Rep. Courtney.
“CCAT is integral to Connecticut’s manufacturing industry, helping small startups and advancing high-tech manufacturing.”CONGRESSMAN JOHN LARSON (CT-01)
“I was proud to lead the appropriations request for the Digital Thread Manufacturing Demonstration Program and work with the delegation to bring funding for this program to our state,” said Rep. Larson. “CCAT is at the center of manufacturing and technology innovation that will help the supply chain produce parts up to 50% faster and at up to 50% lower cost. The Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab will deliver significant savings and efficiencies for Connecticut manufacturers that will help the Department of Defense prevent delays in fielding systems.”
In addition to Courtney and Larson, CCAT would like to recognize House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal for their support of this program and many other federal programs that have benefited Connecticut’s supply chain companies.
“This partnership between DoD and CCAT is an important win for working people in Connecticut. Through this $7 million in federal money, our small and medium-sized manufacturers will be able to demonstrate Connecticut’s proven capabilities and continue to lead on the cutting edge of technology, manufacturing, and innovation.”HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR REP. ROSA DELAURO
“CCAT has played a huge role in making our state’s manufacturing industry a powerhouse,” said Sen. Murphy. “This new partnership with the Department of Defense will help modernize our supply chain, train Connecticut workers for these good-paying jobs, and serve as a model for the rest of the country.”
“This $7 million investment is yet another testament to CCAT’s top-notch technology, manufacturing and workforce development efforts,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “With this lab, CCAT will expand their critical work to spur the growth of manufacturing and technology across New England while bolstering our national defense. I am thrilled CCAT was selected for this important initiative and will keep fighting for more investment in Connecticut’s growing manufacturing industry.”
CCAT also recognizes Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont for his commitment to the manufacturing sector and making critical investments in programs that drive technology adoption and workforce training.
“We are pleased that the Department of Defense’s Office of Industrial Base Policy has chosen the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology for the Northeast Digital Lab,” said Gov. Lamont.
“Connecticut is in the forefront of the digital transformation of the Defense Industrial Base, and this will enable all defense companies in the Northeast to accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 Digital Technologies. The manufacturing sector is critical to the economic growth of Connecticut and the Northeast, and we continue to support our manufacturing sector to ensure that we are prepared for future technologies.” GOVERNOR NED LAMONT
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About CCAT
CCAT, a non-profit organization founded in 2004 and headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., is a dynamic and innovative applied technology organization that leads regional and national partnerships that assist global industrial companies and the manufacturing supply chain across industry sectors in driving advancements, efficiencies, and the adoption of leading-edge technologies. Our vision is transformative solutions for a connected world, and our mission is to lead the advancement of applied technologies, power the workforce of the future, and inspire change.
For more information, reach out to Jackie Garofano, CTO of CCAT at jgarofano@ccat.us.
Media Contact
Denise Gordon, dgordon@ccat.us.
