The Permian Basin Manufacturing Consortium, a new initiative led by a group of manufacturing businesses and machine shops in the region, is set to launch. Executive Director of UTPB’s Office of Innovation & Commercialization Brian Shedd announced the new consortium during his presentation at a MDC board meeting on March 2.
Focused on training, education, and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, the consortium aims to strengthen the region's manufacturing capabilities and workforce. The university’s goal is to gather 10-20 companies together within the first year. According to Shedd, they have already got commitment from three companies.
“It’s going to allow us to bring manufacturing businesses together in the region and work with them to provide training at the CEED building in the Maker Space and the Advanced Manufacturing Center,” Shedd said at the meeting.
The consortium’s offerings will include daily open spaces for members to access equipment as well as weekly workforce development training on equipment and materials. Monthly events will feature networking sessions, guest speakers, and fundraising opportunities.
The consortium also plans to offer a range of training programs, including certification programs for advanced manufacturing and microcredentialing in machining technologies. UTPB will integrate one-hour lab components into existing courses such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Manufacturing of Materials, Mechanics of Materials, and Materials Science. A Graduate Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing will also be available.