Program supports manufacturing jobs in Connecticut

Posted on September 8, 2015

A new federal program is boosting manufacturing jobs in Connecticut and their focus.

The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the University of Connecticut (UConn), and the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) will take part in a new Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute (FHE MII), a virtual institute consisting of more than 160 companies, universities, and non-profits. As part of the institute, manufacturers in the state can gain support to build up their capabilities in new flexible, hybrid electronic technologies.

The FHE MII will bring government, industry and academic leaders together to advance the manufacturing of flexible hybrid electronics in the United States. The institute will be led by FlexTech Alliance, a Silicon Valley-based consortium of 96 companies, 11 laboratories and non-profits, 42 universities, and 14 states and regional organizations – including DECD, UConn, and UTRC.

“This is great news for Connecticut because the impact of this institute’s activities will go way beyond its initial objective of supporting the defense industry,” DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith said. “To capitalize on the full potential, the integrated circuit, graphics printing, and electronic assembly/packaging industries will have to be engaged in the process, and benefits could extend far into the automotive, communications, consumer electronics, medical devices, healthcare, transportation and logistics, and agriculture industries.”

“Connecticut’s partnership on the Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute is another recent example of UConn working with state government and industry to bring new opportunities to Connecticut,” UConn President Susan Herbst said. “The institute will engage Connecticut companies and UConn researchers to develop new technologies and manufacturing processes that promote economic development.”