Advanced Manufacturing
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ADVANCING THE REGION'S ECONOMY
With more than 13,800 people employed at 270 firms, advanced manufacturing companies are a strong cluster in the Roanoke Region. More than 10 percent of the Roanoke Region's workforce is employed in manufacturing, compared to 6.9 percent statewide.
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Area employers draw from a labor force of more than 300,000
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Low unionization. Less than 4 percent of the workforce in the Roanoke MSA is unionized.
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Products include night-vision goggles, optical cable, industrial controls, steering systems, and food products.
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Foreign investment from Japan, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
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Abundant utilities: fiber, water, and electricity.
- Electric rates below the national average; redundant service available.
- Affordable, high-quality assistance available through GENEDGE Alliance's network of field offices.
Virginia Tech Center for High Performance Manufacturing
- Developed to help manufacturers cut costs, improve operations and keep up with customer demand.
- Areas of specialization include: flexible automation; logistics; production and information systems; rapid prototyping and tooling, and low-cost composite manufacturing.
Advanced Technology in Mechatronics at Virginia Western Community College
- Providing hands-on experience with industrial control technology key to manufacturing automation.
- Only school in Virginia to provide a Siemens Certified Mechatronics System Assistant certification.
Advanced Manufacturing & Packaging Technology Program at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
- Provides training through course work and labs.
- Based on Integrated Systems Technology.
Customized training at Virginia’s community colleges
Dynax America -- Automatic transmission clutch disc plates.
GE Energy-- Energy related components and controls.
ITT Exelis-- Night vision products.
LiteSteel Beam -- First North American manufacturing facility makes light steel beams for use in residential and commercial construction.
Luna Innovations -- Headquarters of biotech instrumentation and nanotechnology manufacturer.
Maple Leaf Bakery -- Par-baked bread for the in-store bakery and food service market.
McAirlaid's -- Non-woven composite materials for absorbency end uses.
Optical Cable Corporation -- Headquarters of fiber optic cable manufacturer.
Synchrony -- Headquarters develops and produces magnetic bearings, controls, and power systems for high speed rotating machinery.
Tecton Products -- Pultruded composite products.
TMEIC -- Integrator of drives automation systems. Joint venture among GE, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi.
Virginia Forge -- Wheel hubs for auto industry.
GE Energy-- Energy related components and controls.
ITT Exelis-- Night vision products.
LiteSteel Beam -- First North American manufacturing facility makes light steel beams for use in residential and commercial construction.
Luna Innovations -- Headquarters of biotech instrumentation and nanotechnology manufacturer.
Maple Leaf Bakery -- Par-baked bread for the in-store bakery and food service market.
McAirlaid's -- Non-woven composite materials for absorbency end uses.
Optical Cable Corporation -- Headquarters of fiber optic cable manufacturer.
Synchrony -- Headquarters develops and produces magnetic bearings, controls, and power systems for high speed rotating machinery.
Tecton Products -- Pultruded composite products.
TMEIC -- Integrator of drives automation systems. Joint venture among GE, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi.
Virginia Forge -- Wheel hubs for auto industry.
