Advanced Manufacturing
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ADVANCING THE REGION'S ECONOMY
With more than 14,800 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 6.7 percent statewide (2011 annual data).
- Area employers draw from a labor force of more than 350,000
- Low unionization. Less than 3 percent of the workforce in the Roanoke MSA is unionized.
- Products include night-vision goggles, optical cable, industrial controls, transmission parts, and food products.
- Foreign investment from Japan, Germany, and Canada.
- 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.
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.
Dresser-Rand -- 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.
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.
Dresser-Rand -- 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.
