🤖 Advanced Manufacturing #12
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts as automation, robotics, and AI reshape the industry. With demand for specialized skills accelerating, continuous learning is key to driving innovation, boosting efficiency, and building a future-ready workforce.
This week in Advanced Manufacturing, NAFCO has opened a $40M aerospace manufacturing plant in Seremban, Malaysia, supporting the country’s Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and creating skilled jobs. Toshiba is investing $67.4M to expand its Rudraram plant in Telangana, India, adding new facilities, enhancing workforce skills, and driving growth within the power industry. In Pennsylvania, Bayer has completed a $44M expansion of its Myerstown OTC facility, creating 75 jobs and strengthening regional supply chain resilience through workforce development and STEM outreach.
Upskilling efforts are gaining momentum as Austin’s Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing opens a 50,000-sq-ft facility, partnering with Austin Community College to train Tesla employees and others in robotics and next-gen tech. Florida’s Indian River State College (IRSC) has secured a $4M grant to expand its manufacturing training institute, supporting hands-on learning for up to 1,500 students annually in advanced skills. Allegheny College has launched ALIC at Bessemer in Pennsylvania, blending liberal arts education with advanced manufacturing training to prepare a future-ready workforce. On the policy front, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is advocating for regulatory reform in the US manufacturing sector, urging the revision or repeal of outdated regulations that hinder competitiveness.
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Advanced Manufacturing Labor Market Trends
✈️ NAFCO Opens $40M Aerospace Facility in Malaysia to Boost MRO Capacity. NAFCO has launched a US$40M aerospace manufacturing plant in Seremban, producing fasteners and precision components. The 2.3-hectare site supports Malaysia’s Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, aiming to grow local capabilities and create skilled jobs. A second, larger facility is planned within two years as Malaysia targets 5% of the global MRO market by 2030, supporting its role in the regional aerospace supply chain.
🏭 Toshiba to Invest $67.4M in Telangana Advanced Manufacturing Hub. Toshiba is investing $67.4M to expand its Rudraram plant with three new facilities and upgrades to two others, boosting production of surge arresters, transformers, and GIS. Beyond infrastructure development, this investment strengthens the labor market by preparing local talent for the future of the power sector and strengthening Telangana’s role as a growing hub for innovation and industry.
⚙️ Bayer Completes $44M Expansion of Pennsylvania OTC Facility. Bayer has unveiled a $44M, 70,000-square-foot expansion at its Myerstown, PA plant: its largest global consumer health site. The upgrade adds eight new packaging lines and modernized logistics systems to boost production of brands like Aleve, Claritin, and One A Day. The project, expected to create up to 75 jobs, also includes workforce upskilling and STEM outreach, reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to regional growth and supply chain resilience.
>20% Rise in the Number of Apprenticeships in the US from 2020 to 2024
🛠️ The number of registered apprentices in the US has grown by over 70% over the last decade, growing from around 350,000 to over 670,000.
📈 The steady rise reflects increasing momentum for vocational training and non-degree career pathways across critical industries.
📍 Rural and underserved regions are leveraging these programs to boost local employment and retain talent in place-based economies.
Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives
🏭 Austin’s HICAM Launches with ACC, Tesla Training Partnership. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) has opened a 50,000-sq-ft high-tech facility in East Austin to accelerate innovation and workforce development. Designed for startups and industrial R&D, HICAM offers prototyping space and advanced manufacturing equipment. It’s partnering with Austin Community College to run a nine-week training program for Tesla employees and others, positioning the site as a regional hub for robotics, additive manufacturing, and next-gen tech development.
🏗️ IRSC Secures $4M Grant to Expand Manufacturing Training Institute. The State Government of Florida has awarded $4M to Indian River State College to boost its new Institute for Industrial Manufacturing and Production Training. Housed at the $21M Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex in Fort Pierce, the center already provides hands-on learning in welding, HVAC, EV tech, and more. The funding will support training for up to 1,500 students annually, with expansion planned for IRSC’s Martin County campus.
🏭 Allegheny College Launches ALIC at Bessemer to Power PA’s Manufacturing Workforce. Allegheny College has officially opened ALIC at Bessemer, a new branch campus in Meadville, PA, focused on advanced manufacturing training and innovation. The campus blends liberal arts education with hands-on technical training, applied research, and start-up support, creating a future-ready workforce for northwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial economy.
Policy Initiatives
🏭 NAM Pushes for Regulatory Reform to Strengthen US Manufacturing. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has submitted recommendations to US federal agencies, urging the revision or repeal of 44 regulations across 10 departments. This initiative, driven by Executive Order 14219, aims to eliminate outdated rules that increase operational costs and hinder competitiveness. By streamlining regulatory frameworks, NAM seeks to foster innovation, support small businesses, and enhance the agility of the US manufacturing sector.
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