11.28.2023

St. Louis, Missouri - Work on a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing innovation center, AMICSTL, has officially begun with its groundbreaking ceremony earlier today. AMICSTL’s mission is to attract visionary manufacturers and develop the skilled workforces required to drive innovation and promote growth.

A robust crowd including Governor Mike Parson, Mayor Tishaura Jones, numerous local, state, and federal government officials, business leaders, and members of the community joined together to mark this important milestone. AMICSTL was conceived by the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. AMICSTL received $7 million in grant funding from the AmericanRescue Plan which has been pivotal in launching its fundraising efforts.

Speaking at the event Chairman of the AMICSTL Board Dennis Muilenburg said, “We are leveraging the rich history and knowledge in manufacturing and our current strengths in innovation and workforce training to position the region for the future—to be an epicenter for advanced manufacturing that will contribute to driving inclusive economic growth for our communities, our bi-state region, and the state.”

Governor Parson announced the state’s partnership in AMICSTL with $15 million passed by the legislature and which he signed into law. “We can be the number one state in the nation for manufacturing and today’s groundbreaking is the first step,” said Governor Mike Parson. said Governor Parson.

The National Association of Manufacturers projects over 4.6 million job openings in manufacturing in just 5 years. To help fill this need, for workforce AMICSTL will be a neutral convener to help industry and workforce training partners know what current and future needs and programs are, where gaps exist, and obstacles to address. AMICSTL will strive to make workforce development in advanced manufacturing a region wide effort to create a broad and inclusive pipeline of skilled workers.

"Workforce development is essential as industries like aerospace, ag-tech, and biomedicine continue to grow rapidly through our region," said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "I am proud to welcome AMICSTL to North St. Louis and the access to quality industry jobs it will offer to families and jobseekers from our communities." Mayor Jones also announced the City’s partnership with AMICSTL with $15 million in New Markets Tax Credits.

Joelle Gamble, Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, reiterated the federal support for AMICSTL through the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better grant program. In addition, she noted the specific placemaking effort in North City St. Louis which will contribute to driving broad, equitable, and diverse opportunities for the specific area as well as the broader bi-state region. With an anticipated completion date mid-2025, this multi-million-dollar 150,000 square foot advanced manufacturing innovation center will be a dynamic ecosystem for research and development, prototyping, and connection – all completely focused on the needs of the next generation of advanced manufacturers. High bay manufacturing space, labs, cutting edge equipment, and a community maker space will be housed in the building.

Julia N. Allen, MSW, has lived in North St. Louis City for 74 years. Speaking to the large crowd assembled for this milestone, she noted that with partnership is tremendous potential and this effort can serve as an example for others. “Advanced manufacturing is one of the true engines of growth for St. Louis, and AMICSTL will serve as a cornerstone for our region’s advanced manufacturing industry and as a catalyst for community-led development in North St. Louis,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. "We are proud that our public-private partnership with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership to lead the winning the Build Back Better Regional Challenge proposal that prioritized AMICSTL provided the capital to make this STL 2030 Jobs Plan signature priority a reality.”

"Receiving the $25 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant truly showcases the power of collaboration among organizations for the betterment of our community and region," said Rodney Crim, CEO and President of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. "Congratulations on this remarkable milestone—the launch of The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center. This cutting-edge facility is poised to drive innovation and elevate the workforce within St. Louis's advanced manufacturing industry."

Dr. Sam Page, “I was happy to join the city and Mayor Jones in supporting the Build Back Better Regional Challenge from the beginning, and am thrilled funding was made possible for this project,” said County Executive Dr. Sam Page. “AMICSTL will be a hub for advanced manufacturing, providing more training, more job opportunities and more careers as we continue to retain and recruit a vibrant workforce and grow our region.”

Jim Byrne, Owner/Principal, Cobalt Construction Consulting said, “Cobalt Construction Consulting is proud to be a part of the St. Louis Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center which represents a quantitative leap of progress for North City and the surrounding neighborhoods. We believe the commitment to train and advocate for skilled manufacturing labor will pay immense dividends across the St. Louis region for years to come. The presence of this facility will truly be a landmark and a catalyst for future investment in the region.”

About AMICSTL

Building on our region’s strong foundation in manufacturing and supported by federal, state, local, private sector, and philanthropic funding, AMICSTL is pioneering the future to make the St. Louis region an epicenter for advanced manufacturing. By attracting visionary manufacturers and developing a skilled, local workforce, AMICSTL is driving innovation and promoting inclusive growth for our communities.

AMICSTL will connect industry leaders with higher education and workforce development partners to cultivate a robust career pipeline that opens doors for historically underserved communities while providing manufacturers with the skilled talent they need to thrive. Companies and entrepreneurs will gain access to cutting-edge equipment, labs, and manufacturing bays. Through a network of partners, partners will gain direct access to shared expertise, problem-solving help, and peer support. AMICSTL will also be a partner with community to drive neighborhood impact.