LIFT Launches Advanced Metallic Production and Processing (AMPP) Center to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing and National Security

New Capability to Accelerate Development of Next-Generation Materials for Defense and Industry enabling rapid scale up.

DETROIT – LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, has officially opened its state-of-the-art Advanced Metallic Production and Processing (AMPP) Center in Detroit’s historic Corktown district. This cutting-edge facility will play a critical role in strengthening the U.S. industrial base by accelerating the design, development, and deployment of novel metallic materials, filling a key gap in the nation’s defense manufacturing base.

By producing metals across all alloy classes and processing into high-quality metal powder, wire, and rod feedstocks, AMPP will accelerate materials development including for rapid advancement of additive manufacturing, ensuring manufacturers can access the materials they need to develop next-generation defense and commercial technologies.

Advanced materials are critical across industries. According to a recent report from Siemens Digital Industries Software, ”Innovation is key to the survival and growth of all companies. Product and materials inno­vation are closely linked, with product innovation relying almost 70 percent on materials innovation. Therefore, it’s clear that developing new materials or innovative applica­tions of existing materials are of paramount importance for the manufacturing industry.”

This capability de-risks materials development investment for our domestic manufacturers and unlocks faster time to market and overall reduced cost of development.  

A National Collaboration to Drive Innovation

The AMPP Center will serve as a hub for collaboration between LIFT’s nearly 400-member network and key industry stakeholders, including:
– Original Equipment Manufacturers
– Systems Manufacturers
– Materials Producers & Developers
– Application Developers & Part Manufacturers
– Academia & Startups

LIFT’s new Advanced Metallics Production and Processing Center exemplifies the mission of the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Innovation Institutes: to close critical advanced manufacturing gaps in the U.S. defense industrial base and ensure we remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world,” said Keith DeVries, Director of Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).

Advancing American Manufacturing & Security

Nigel Francis, CEO & Executive Director of LIFT, emphasized the importance of AMPP in maintaining America’s competitive edge:

“The pace of advanced manufacturing innovation is accelerating, and the development of novel materials is crucial to keeping the U.S. ahead of global competitors. With AMPP, we can now rapidly move new materials from concept to prototype, feasibility testing, and full-scale production—all within our borders. This capability is a game-changer for both our warfighters and manufacturers across industries.”

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than just a milestone for advanced manufacturing— it represents Michigan’s commitment to innovation, workforce development and national security,” said U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin. “I have visited these facilities, so I have seen what they can do. And the Advanced Metallics Production and Processing Center is a great example of how public-private partnerships like LIFT, can help build the materials, technologies, and talent pipeline that will keep Michigan and our nation, competitive, all while helping to create good jobs.”  

“A decade ago, we welcomed LIFT to Detroit to research and develop the next generation of advanced materials for commercial and defense uses,” said Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit. “This expansion into the production and processing of these materials demonstrates the success of their work and is a great example of how Detroit is very much a national center for innovation.”

Key Capabilities of the AMPP Center
– Low to Medium Volume Material Production
– Accelerated Material Delivery & Availability
– Toll Processing & Contract Manufacturing
– Domestic Production Through a Nonprofit Public-Private Partnership

Bringing Next-Generation Materials to Market and Scaling-Up Additive Manufacturing

As LIFT celebrates its 11th year as a national manufacturing innovation institute, it continues to expand its impact and technologies across the country, recently opening a facility in Puerto Rico and exploring new expansion opportunities.

Manufacturers and defense partners looking to leverage AMPP’s capabilities can learn more and place orders for materials by contacting LIFT here.

For more information, visit www.lift.technology.

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About LIFT
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is the Detroit-based, public-private partnership with the Department of Defense committed to the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, and implementing talent development initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit https://lift.technology/or follow on LinkedIn at LIFT or on Twitter @NewsFromLIFT to learn more.