Oakland County is directing $15 million toward the purchase of 250 new 3D printers for the next phase of a program designed to deliver additive manufacturing capabilities to small companies.
The three-year commitment for Project Diamond is being made with funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, according to a Wednesday news release.
"The Project Diamond program has been one of Oakland County's most successful endeavors to help local manufacturers use advanced technology to become more adaptable, efficient, and realize significant cost savings," Oakland County Executive David Coulter said in the release. "This initiative is expanding so even more manufacturers can innovate and create new business opportunities and increase production of badly needed parts in an era of supply chain disruptions and shortages."
Administered by Troy-based Automation Alley, Project Diamond was launched in 2020 to help local manufacturers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase, funded by $10 million from Oakland County and $2 million from Macomb County, included 300 3D printers, valued at $20,000 apiece.
Read more at Crain's Detroit Business.