TROY, Mich. (June 24, 2024) – A new report released by the Special Competitive Studies
Project (SCSP), an organization funded by former CEO of Google, Chairman Eric Schmidt,
named 3D Printing network Project DIAMOnD as an example of the types of projects that are
essential to improving U.S. competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. Project DIAMOnD –
which stands for distributed, independent, agile manufacturing on demand – is an initiative
powered by Automation Alley and funded by Oakland County, Michigan.
The SCSP’s “Action Plan for U.S. Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing” report identifies 3D
printing and additive manufacturing as a moonshot project – an “audacious goal that can move
the entire U.S. innovation ecosystem toward a position of competitive advantage.”
Additionally, Project DIAMOnD was cited as a “scalable model” for the recommendation to
pursue a national-level, distributed production network for additive manufacturing focused on
small and medium-sized manufacturers adoption. The report recommends the U.S. Department
of Defense adopt the Project DIAMOnD model as a central component of America’s national
security, leaning on the U.S. supply chain to produce the parts as necessary.
“Our national security and economic independence are linked to our competitiveness in the
manufacturing economy. The next 10 years are critical for helping our small manufacturing firms
bridge the divide between traditional and additive manufacturing,” said Oakland County
Executive David Coulter. “Project DIAMOnD is the initiative that is helping bridge this divide in
Oakland County today and it’s a blueprint for how to facilitate increased competitiveness and
innovation. Most importantly, it is key to the future health of our economy and the security of our
Nation.”
Project DIAMOnD was developed in October 2020 to accelerate digital transformation among
Michigan manufacturers. In Phase I of the program, which was funded by $10 million from
Oakland County and $2 million from Macomb County, Automation Alley distributed 300 3D
printers to small- and mid-size manufacturers at no cost, provided workforce training, and
networked the printers to be used to fulfill emergency orders at scale.
In 2021, the network concept was validated, as it printed and shipped 8,000 tourniquet parts to
fulfill a request from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The parts allowed for the assembling of
more than 2,600 tourniquets to help those in need of medical assistance during the Russian
assault on Ukraine.
“Project DIAMOnD is honored to be included in SCSP’s National Action Plan report as a
moonshot advanced manufacturing initiative. This validates what we have known from the
beginning – that 3D printing continues to have a vast, untapped potential to revolutionize
manufacturing across many sectors. Project DIAMOnD is an innovative public-private
partnership model that enables the scaling and adoption of additive manufacturing for small and
medium manufacturers,” said Automation Alley Executive Director and CEO Tom Kelly. “We are
proud of the progress that Project DIAMOnD and its participants have made since the program
was launched four years ago, and we believe there is potential to do so much more in the
future.”
In 2023, Automation Alley and Oakland County announced Phase II of Project DIAMOnD,
directing an additional $15 million of federal funds toward the purchase of 250 additional state of-the-art 3D printers, the buildout of a marketplace and additional
training support for
participants in the program.
In May, Mich. Governor Whitmer recognized the momentum achieved by Project DIAMOnD and
called for a statewide expansion of the network of 3D printers to deliver on her vision to build the
“Infrastructure for Innovation” businesses. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties joined the
governor and made a commitment to expand Project DIAMOnD.
To learn more about Project DIAMOnD, or if you are a small- or medium-sized manufacturer
interested in joining the program, visit projectdiamond.org.
About Project DIAMOnD
Project DIAMOnD was established in October 2020 by Oakland County and Automation Alley
through CARES Act grants of $10 million from Oakland County. $2 million additional dollars
from Macomb County, allowed the current network to expand to Macomb County businesses.
This program accelerates digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers and
strengthened supply chains for producing PPE during the pandemic. Project DIAMOnD
participating manufacturers could use the 3D printers supplied by Markforged, Inc. to expand
their production of various industrial parts and products, ultimately enhancing Industry 4.0
manufacturing capabilities in Michigan and throughout the United States. Visit
About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and Digital Transformation
Insight Center focused on driving the growth and success of businesses in Michigan and
beyond through innovation and automation. With a global outlook and a regional focus, we
foster a vibrant community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through
opportunities for collaboration and learning. Our programs and services help businesses
develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively jumpstart or accelerate digital
transformation. By bringing together industry, academia, and government, we aim to create a
dynamic ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across Michigan.
At Automation Alley, our mission is to help businesses thrive in the rapidly changing digital
economy by equipping them with the knowledge, insights, and tools to develop a software-first
mindset that leverages the power of automation, AI, and other cognitive technologies. We
believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and more
competitive economy for the future. Visit automationalley.com.
About Oakland County Economic Development:
Oakland County, Michigan is a world-leading center for business that is home to leaders in the
mobility, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries. With over 800 foreign-owned
companies from 39 countries, Oakland is a highly diverse and international community that
boasts one of the highest concentrations of commercial designers and industrial engineers in
the U.S.A. Companies located in Oakland lead the world in next generation automotive
manufacturing and automotive-related research and development. Oakland County is home to
approximately 12 percent of Michigan’s population and accounts for more than 20 percent of the
state’s GDP, making it the State of Michigan’s economic engine.
Strategically located in the center of Southeast Michigan, Oakland provides innovative programs
and access to resources to support local industry and build its economic base. Contact the
Oakland County team at info@advantageoakland.com or to learn more visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland.
Media Contact:
Brent Snavely
313.378-6082
Bill Mullan
248.858.1048
