🤖 Advanced Manufacturing #24

This week in Advanced Manufacturing, Panasonic Energy began mass production at its new lithium-ion battery plant in Kansas, creating up to 4,000 direct jobs and boosting automation productivity. Brawo USA invested $23.2M to expand its precision metals facility in South Carolina, adding 24 jobs. Stark, a German defence firm, is set to open a 40,000-square-foot drone manufacturing factory in Swindon, UK, creating over 100 specialized jobs.

On the upskilling front, the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) is training US veterans for automation and controls roles, certifying over 210 graduates with 80% securing skilled jobs. CoorsTek established its Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Colorado, offering hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications. SASTRA University and Bajaj partnered to deliver a six-month practical training program for engineering students, promoting accessible skill development. On the policy front, the SMART USA Institute has collaborated with Idaho National Laboratory to lead digital twin initiatives that enhance US semiconductor production, improve supply chain resilience, and support workforce development under the CHIPS for America program.

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Advanced Manufacturing Labor Market Trends

🔋 Panasonic’s Battery Plant Boosts Automation and Skilled Workforce. Panasonic Energy has begun mass production at its new lithium-ion battery factory in De Soto, Kansas. The 300-acre plant will support an annual capacity of 32 GWh and is expected to create up to 4,000 direct jobs. With 20% higher productivity than its Nevada facility, the factory strengthens US electric vehicle manufacturing and supports workforce development through partnerships with local universities.

🔧 Brawo USA Expands Precision Metals Production with $23.2M Investment in South Carolina. Brawo USA is investing $23.2M to expand its Laurens County facility, creating 24 new jobs. The project includes advanced equipment to boost the production of precision brass and other non-ferrous metal parts used in plumbing, gas, and industrial systems. Supported by state job credits and a $250,000 grant, the project highlights Brawo’s commitment to building local talent and the growth of advanced manufacturing in South Carolina.

✈️ Stark to Create 100+ Skilled Jobs with New Drone Factory in the UK. German defence company Stark is set to establish a new 40,000 square foot drone factory in Swindon, UK. The facility will produce advanced drones, including the ‘Virtus’ loitering munition system with vertical takeoff and landing and a 100-kilometer strike range. The expansion will create more than 100 skilled jobs and will strengthen the UK’s advanced manufacturing and defence industries, supporting growth in key high-technology sectors.

Amazon Employed Nearly 2% of the Robotics Workforce in 2024

🛰️ Amazon led the US robotics industry as the top employer with a 1.7% share, driven by its substantial investment in warehouse automation and logistics robots, positioning it as a key player for those interested in robotic careers.

🏗️ Tesla and Apple each held a 1.2%, with Tesla advancing manufacturing and autonomous driving, and Apple incorporating robotics in product assembly, highlighting their growing roles and diverse opportunities for new entrants in the field.

🚗 The increasing use of robotics by companies like General Motors, Northrop Grumman, and Meta highlights a trend of technological diversification across the automotive, defense, and consumer technology sectors,  indicating strong potential for future job growth and innovation across critical industries.

Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives

📈 AAM Trains Veterans for High-Demand Skilled Manufacturing Roles. The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM), offers a free 12-week training program for US veterans that combines technical classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience in automation and controls. Over 210 veterans have earned a certification as Instrumentation, Automation, and Controls Technicians, with more than 80% securing career-advancing roles to help address the projected manufacturing labor shortage by 2033.

🛠️ CoorsTek Opens Training Academy to Upskill Colorado’s Manufacturing Workforce. CoorsTek has launched a new Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Colorado, supported by the ‘Opportunity Now’ grant. The facility offers hands-on training, apprenticeships, and certifications in advanced manufacturing. The academy equips learners with industry-aligned skills to meet the needs of Colorado’s 6,300+ advanced manufacturing firms and support the sector’s growing demand for a skilled workforce.

🤝 SASTRA and Bajaj Partner to Deliver Six-Month Training Program for Engineering Students. SASTRA University and Bajaj have collaboratively developed a six-month training program in next-generation manufacturing for final-year and graduate engineering students. The program offers an 80% fee concession and complimentary accommodation to improve accessibility, preparing industry-ready talent to meet advanced manufacturing workforce demands through practical, skills-based education.

Policy Initiatives

💻 SMART USA Institute Collaborates with Idaho National Laboratory to Strengthen US Semiconductor Production. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will serve as chief digital officer for the SMART USA Institute, launched in 2025 under the CHIPS for America program. INL will use digital twin technology and high-performance computing to improve domestic semiconductor production, enhance supply chain resilience, and reduce costs. The initiative also focuses on workforce development through collaboration with regional universities and industry leaders to strengthen US advanced manufacturing competitiveness.

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