Defense Supply Chain Gets Boost from Virginia Metal 3D Printing Initiative
A new series of workshops across Virginia aims to modernize the defense industrial base by helping small and mid-sized machine shops adopt metal additive manufacturing technologies, potentially transforming military supply chains and manufacturing capabilities.
A strategic partnership between ASTRO America, GENEDGE, the Department of Defense, and Virginia Tech is launching workshops to help Virginia's machine shops embrace metal additive manufacturing, addressing critical modernization needs in the defense industrial base.
The Reconfigure Virginia's Manufacturers for Modernization Program (Re-VAMMP) targets independent machine shops that form the backbone of defense manufacturing. The initiative comes at a crucial time when the Defense Department seeks to enhance its supply chain reliability and reduce costs through advanced manufacturing technologies.
The significance of this program extends beyond individual workshops, potentially reshaping military procurement and manufacturing capabilities. By helping small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt metal 3D printing technologies, the initiative could lead to faster production times, reduced costs, and more innovative solutions for military components.
Neal Orringer, President of ASTRO America, emphasized the workshops' importance for manufacturers looking to expand their capabilities and innovate their techniques. The program will feature experts from AUSTAL USA and the Navy Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, providing guidance on qualifying for U.S. Navy supply chain opportunities.
The workshops, scheduled across four Virginia locations - Norfolk, Richmond, Weyers Cave, and Roanoke - in early 2025, represent a significant step toward modernizing the defense industrial base. This initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen their military manufacturing capabilities while supporting local businesses in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.