YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Legislation to establish a national network of manufacturing hubs based on America Makes here was included in the Omnibus budget legislation that passed the U.S. Senate Saturday night. The bill is headed to President Obama’s desk.

The language in the legislation is based on the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, which would establish a National Network of Manufacturing Innovation. The U.S. House of Representatives passed companion legislation, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-23 N.Y., in September.

The legislation is supported by more than 150 companies, universities, and industry organizations, according to Brown.

“A Network for Manufacturing Innovation would foster public-private partnerships that give small businesses, industry leaders, and research institutions the tools they need to compete on a global scale,” Brown said. “We’ve seen it work in Youngstown, now it’s time to advance this effort nationwide.”

America Makes, formerly the National Additive manufacturing Innovation Institute, opened in Youngstown two years ago.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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