NCMS Announces Plans for New Maryland Additive Manufacturing Center

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is a cross-industry technology development consortium dedicated to improving the strength and competitiveness of US industry. Its members include representatives from industry, government and academia, and it has been around since 1986, adapting over the years to keep up with developing technology and changing industry needs. Now NCMS is establishing a new manufacturing innovation center in Harford County, Maryland. The facility will focus on the development of next-generation industrial additive manufacturing processes and materials, and will house powerful production technology and leading engineers.

The center will also house collaboration that should lead to breakthroughs in metallurgy and plastics, as well as the launch of new factory machinery that will transform the industries of aircraft, automobiles, munitions, medical devices and more.

“As a proven leader in advanced technology innovation development, NCMS has the unique ability to engage and work with a wide variety of partners while finding the critical infrastructure, talent, and investment for successful program and project management. We believe Aberdeen, Maryland is the place where these vital innovation ingredients come together and are key to the new industrial revolution,” said NCMS President Rick Jarman.

The center has received bipartisan support across the country, led by Senators Lindsay Graham and Chris Van Hollen.

Senator Chris Van Hollen

“I’m pleased to welcome NCMS to Maryland and add this national innovation leader to our State’s manufacturing ecosystem,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I look forward to seeing how the collaboration of NCMS alongside industry leaders will transform manufacturing – enabling rapid production at lower cost.”

Partners of the new center include the State of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and Harford County Maryland, plus founding members 3D Systems and Applied Materials.

“3D Systems is proud to have helped NCMS lead this initiative. It’s a tremendous opportunity to partner with key government and industry leaders such as Applied Materials to drive innovation and U.S. competitiveness,” said Neal Orringer, Vice President, Alliances & Partnerships, 3D Systems. “This effort is designed to equip our military with the best technology possible at the best value to the taxpayer.”

The center’s goals will have a military focus, as collaborators work together to provide US troops with the most updated platforms and tools available to face any situation. Manufacturers will benefit as well from the development of large-scale additive manufacturing, accelerated part production speed, novel designs and materials, dramatic cuts in cost and delivery times, and point-of-need part manufacturing. NCMS already has a strong working relationship with the US Army, and will expand this relationship to the Army Research Laboratory.

“Our administration is pleased to see two years of planning and partnership come to fruition with this new manufacturing innovation center. This unique consortium – which brings significant opportunities to Harford County, Maryland, and the region – will rapidly accelerate manufacturing opportunities in our state, leading to more jobs and a stronger economy,” said Governor Larry Hogan.

Harford County is providing leased lab, training and administrative space for the facility at the Higher Education and Applied Technology Center or HEAT Center.

“We are excited to work with NCMS and look forward to being active partners in this unprecedented consortium for new manufacturing technology,” said Harford County Executive Barry Glassman.

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