Inclusion of Project DIAMOnD in SCSP’s important national action plan validates our progress and the potential of our 3D printing network.   

LANSING, MI - A new report released by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP)-an organization funded by former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt-named Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD initiative as a distributed 3D printing model for the Department of Defense to adopt as a central component of America’s national security.  

The inclusion of Project DIAMOnD in this important national action plan also comes off of the heels of Governor Whitmer’s recent commitment at the Mackinac Policy Conference to expand Project DIAMOnD statewide. This announcement is part of the Governor’s vision to build out the “Infrastructure for Innovation,” which would expand shared technology or resources that entrepreneurs and businesses can use to grow in Michigan. 

“We are thrilled to see Project DIAMOnD included in the SCSP’s national manufacturing action plan, building on our work in Michigan to lead and build the future,” said Governor Whitmer. “Project DIAMOnD’s network of 3D printers drive down costs and increase efficiency for small manufacturers. This network is part of what we are calling the ‘Infrastructure for Innovation,’ physical assets we need to share and build out to keep creating jobs and bringing supply chains home. Today’s national recognition of Project DIAMOnD shows that we are on the right track and must continue our work to bring public and private sector partners together to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses compete on a global scale. Together, we will ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.  

To read Governor Whitmer’s executive directive on the “Infrastructure for Innovation,” click here.  

Project DIAMOnD

Project DIAMOnD, which stands for Distributed, Independent, Agile Manufacturing on Demand, is a shared network of 3D printers that small manufacturers in all three counties can use to lower their costs and scale up their businesses, with a goal of eventual statewide expansion. 

Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties have recently committed to expanding it with federal funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The expansion will help the more than 9,100 small manufacturers across all three counties access a network of 3D printers that hundreds of local businesses have already used to lower costs, increase production efficiency, or grow their businesses. Ultimately, the goal is statewide expansion, so small manufacturers across Michigan-in all 83 counties-can access this network. Getting this done would make Michigan a national model.