Menu Close

Two Missouri Universities Collaborate to Help Grow Advanced Manufacturing in the State

  • April 04, 2022

The University of Missouri-St. Louis and Saint Louis University announced plans to collaborate on research and development for a proposed advanced manufacturing innovation center in St. Louis, Missouri.

“Having Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri–St. Louis as co-leads for R&D is absolutely ideal,” said John Hixson, a member of the St. Louis Regional Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (AMICSTL), a nonprofit group formed to foster a robust advanced manufacturing sector in the region. “Both universities have impactful research programs and active, mature innovation programs.”

Last December, the proposed advanced manufacturing center was named as one of 60 finalists in the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s $1 billion “Build Back Better Regional Challenge” and received $500,000 toward the project.

Plans call for the center to be located in north St. Louis’ Vandeventer neighborhood adjacent to the campus of Ranken Technical College, which is the operating partner for the project that seeks to create thousands of jobs in the region through high-tech manufacturers.

“As the premier public research university in the region, UMSL is pleased to partner with SLU to provide the research and development foundation for AMICSTL as we continue to maximize our collective regional assets and work collaboratively to advance inclusive economic growth,” said UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik.

“The broad St. Louis region is home to preeminent research universities and exceptional companies,” said SLU President Fred Pestello. “Drawing these assets together through an ambitious R&D agenda will make AMICSTL one of the world’s leading advanced manufacturing centers. SLU is pleased to partner with our colleagues at UMSL to help bring this vision to fruition.”

Missouri is a center for advanced manufacturing excellence, supported by a cost competitive, pro-business and innovative environment, exceptional talent, extensive training programs, access to raw materials, and a globally connected infrastructure.

What Next?