About Us
Driving American Manufacturing into the Future
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense, industry and academia, part of the national network of manufacturing innovation institutes, driving the U.S. mobility sector toward the future manufacturing revolution to support our nation’s economy and enhance our national security.
The Lift Advantage
Connecting Industry, Academia and Government
Technology Accelerator
LIFT is driving American manufacturing into the future. We help organizations move emerging materials and processing technologies from advanced concepts to commercialization so they can be adopted by industry and the warfighter faster.
Talent Developer
From developing new venues, new tools and new teaching techniques, LIFT’s competency-based, technology-infused talent development program is redefining manufacturing education.
Convener
With a national network of manufacturers and educators, together with leaders at the highest levels of the Department of Defense, government, and industry, LIFT convenes experts in smarter manufacturing.
Trusted Advisor
With manufacturing experts in-house and an ecosystem across industries, LIFT is the trusted advisor small and medium-sized manufacturers can count on to help them transition toward a smarter manufacturing future.
Technology Showcase
Bringing the “art of the possible” to reality, the LIFT Future Manufacturing Technology Showcase is where American manufacturers can see the benefits of connecting materials, processes, systems and talent - showcasing future manufacturing in action.
Connector
LIFT is a public-private-partnership between government, industry and academia, connecting needs, ideas and people. We connect organizations to move the needle and drive American manufacturing into the future.
World-Class Facilities
Connecting Materials, Processes, Systems and Talent
LIFT Headquarters
LIFT Headquarters is located in the Corktown area of Detroit in a 100,000 square foot facility on Rosa Parks Blvd.
LIFT Headquarters is located in the Corktown area of Detroit in a 100,000 square foot facility on Rosa Parks Blvd.
LIFT Sterling Heights
LIFT’s Sterling Heights facility is located in the heart of Michigan’s defense corridor and focused on supporting DoD needs.
LIFT’s Sterling Heights facility is located in the heart of Michigan’s defense corridor and focused on supporting DoD needs.
Learning Lab
The LIFT Learning Lab is a unique immersive learning facility for the next generation of advanced manufacturers.
The LIFT Learning Lab is a unique immersive learning facility for the next generation of advanced manufacturers.
High Bay
LIFT’s High Bay is a national showcase for smarter manufacturing.
LIFT’s High Bay is a national showcase for smarter manufacturing.
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2014
President Obama announces the creation of LIFT in February 2014
2015
LIFT cuts the ribbon on LIFT’s Corktown facility in 2015
2016
Construction begins on the LIFT High Bay in Corktown in 2016
2017
LIFT cuts the ribbon on the High Bay in October 2017
2018
LIFT launches its IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing curriculum for high school students
2019
The LIFT Learning Lab opens in the Corktown facility in August 2019
2020
LIFT expands its support of the warfighter by signing a new contract with the U.S. Army
2021
LIFT expands, opening a new facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan, focusing on Defense work.
The LIFT Team
The LIFT team is made up of experts in their fields, each with a passion for advancing American manufacturing.