🤖 Advanced Manufacturing #22

This week in Advanced Manufacturing, GE Appliances announced a $490M investment to build its most advanced laundry manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky, creating 800 jobs by 2027. In the UK, Tata’s Agratas began construction on a $5B EV battery gigafactory in Somerset, expected to generate 4,000 jobs and meet half of the UK’s EV battery demand by 2030. Meanwhile, The Steel Network is investing in a new Texas steel framing facility, set to open within three years and add 20 jobs.

On the upskilling front, Clarios is launching a $600M Manufacturing Technology & Training Center to support AI, robotics, and battery manufacturing talent in the US. Tata Motors is upskilling 50% of its workforce in EVs and ADAS technologies, while Queensland has committed $2.4M toward advanced manufacturing skills development through TAFE-led partnerships. On the policy front, MIT has launched the Initiative for New Manufacturing to strengthen US production capacity, supply chain resilience, and job growth.

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Advanced Manufacturing Labor Market Trends

🧺 GE Appliances to Invest $490M in Louisville, Creating 800 Jobs. GE Appliances will invest $490M in its Louisville, Kentucky headquarters to build its most advanced laundry manufacturing facility. The expansion will create 800 new jobs and shift production of over 15 washer models to a redesigned, highly automated site. Operations are set to launch in 2027, with support from the state workforce and investment incentives. The initiative highlights a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing and reinforces Louisville’s key role in GE’s appliance production network.

🔋 Tata’s Agratas Commences Construction of Major UK EV Battery Gigafactory. Tata’s Agratas has initiated construction of a $5B EV battery gigafactory in Somerset, UK, scheduled to open in 2027 and create 4,000 direct jobs. The 40GWh facility will supply Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, addressing nearly half of the UK’s projected EV battery demand by 2030. The project prioritizes sustainable manufacturing and workforce development through partnerships with local academic and research institutions.

🏗️ The Steel Network Invests in New Texas Steel Framing Facility, Creating 20 Jobs. The Steel Network is investing in a 50,000 sq. ft. steel framing manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas, set to open over the next three years. The project will create 20 new jobs and strengthen local production of steel framing systems for construction and hyperbaric chambers. Supported by the Taylor Economic Development Corporation, this investment highlights growing advanced manufacturing in the region.

Defense Companies Across the Board Expanded Hiring in 2024

🛰️ Thales, Leonardo, and L3 Harris are expanding across aerospace, cyber, and ISR domains, reflecting the industry's pivot toward integrated sensors, secure communications, and AI-enabled threat detection in both conventional and hybrid warfare settings.

🧠 Defense hiring is increasingly focused on advanced systems engineering, software development, and AI integration, as firms race to embed autonomy, cybersecurity, and real-time data capabilities.

🌐 European defense firms like Saab, Dassault, and MBDA are strengthening cross-border programs, aligning with EU efforts to consolidate industrial capacity, co-develop missile defense systems, and advance sixth-generation fighter and drone platforms.

Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives

🧪 Clarios to Launch US Manufacturing Tech & Training Center to Advance Energy Workforce.  Clarios will open a US Manufacturing Technology & Training Center to support advanced workforce training and R&D in energy storage. Backed by $600M from its $6B national strategy, the center will focus on robotics, AI, and automation while preparing workers for future manufacturing roles. It aims to strengthen US industrial leadership in battery production and energy infrastructure through hands-on upskilling and technology validation.

🚗 Tata Motors to Upskill 50% of Workforce in Next-Gen Automotive Technologies. Tata Motors has launched a large-scale initiative to upskill 50% of its workforce in electric vehicles, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and smart mobility. Partnering with ARAI, Bosch, and Tata Technologies, the program blends hands-on learning and certifications to build future-ready talent. This initiative supports India's transition to smart, sustainable mobility and strengthens the country's position in the global automotive industry.

🏭 Queensland Commits $2.4M to Boost Advanced Manufacturing Skills. Queensland has launched a $2.4M grant program to strengthen advanced manufacturing training through TAFE Centres of Excellence. Focused on addressing skills shortages, it funds industry-led research projects that improve training delivery and employment outcomes. Open to partnerships between training providers, manufacturers, and communities, the initiative prioritizes regional access, job readiness, and economic growth.

Policy Initiatives

🏭 MIT Launches Initiative for New Manufacturing to Drive Innovation and Job Growth. MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM) aims to revitalize US industrial production through advanced technologies, workforce development, and industry partnerships. The program targets key sectors, including semiconductors, biomanufacturing, and defense, with a focus on enhancing productivity, improving supply chain resilience, and promoting sustainability. INM will create new labs and training programs, fostering collaboration with companies such as Amgen and Siemens to drive manufacturing innovation and create skilled jobs across the nation.

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