CDME Holds Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting

The Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence held their quarterly IAC meeting on Wednesday June 1st. Representatives from member companies Honda, Edison Welding Institute, IC3D and Whirlpool were in attendance.  Representatives from other member companies received updates electronically after the meeting.   

The group participated in an interactive update, given by Executive Director John Bair, on CDME's vision, strategy, finances and operations. They received updates on two "marque" projects which highlighted the center's ability to translate technology from the university into successful commercial outcomes. Mr. Bair briefed the group on the strategy for opening the center to small and medium size companies which would provide innovative products to CDME's IAC membership. Recruitment of aligned large OEM companies was discussed with the IAC and feedback of potential value added collaborations was documented.   

The IAC members also received a briefing on an industry survey highlighting the top 10 areas of advanced manufacturing being sought by manufacturing companies.  As a follow-up, the IAC members will participate on an internal study highlighting their needs and CDME will compile these, in confidence, into focus areas where collaborative projects can be created.  

After an afternoon of work, the group participated in a social networking dinner at the Hofbrauhaus in Grandview. The next IAC meeting will been held at the end of summer at a date and time TBD.