Adds Depth on Challenges of U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness

ANN ARBOR, MI – January 27, 2010. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) today announced two exemplary additions to its Board of Directors.  Dr. Thomas Kurfess of Clemson University and Ramsen Betfarhad of Bridgewater Associates each bring unique qualifications to guide the nation’s leading cross-industry manufacturing R&D consortium.  

“It’s a testament to our success that we continue to attract such talented people to our board,” said Rick Jarman, NCMS President & CEO. “Each of these men brings a unique perspective to U.S. Manufacturing, and their experience and vision will help the NCMS better serve U.S. Manufacturers through successful R&D collaborations, advocacy, program management, and knowledge transfer. This board expansion is part of our long-term commitment to keeping the U.S. in a leadership position in global manufacturing. Dr. Kurfess and Mr. Betfarhad bring real passion and vision. I am excited to work with them.”

Dr. Tom Kurfess is the BMW Chair of Manufacturing and Director of the International Center for Automotive Research, Clemson University (CUICAR). He received his S.B., S.M. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from M.I.T. where he also received an S.M. degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

Ramsen Betfarhad is a Senior Research Associate with Bridgewater Associates – a large investment management firm in Westport, Connecticut. Prior to joining Bridgewater, he served as the Deputy Assistant for Domestic and Economic Affairs to former Vice President Cheney. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Economics and International Relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service; J.D. from Tulane University School of Law; and an L.L.M in International and Comparative Law from the Georgetown University Law Center.

“Dr. Kurfess and Mr. Betfarhad will be phenomenal additions to our already impressive board of directors, said Chairman of the Board, Ralph Resnick, Vice President and CTO of NCDMM. “NCMS has guidance by some of manufacturing’s top minds, including representatives from GE and Cincinnati MAG. These two gentlemen will be in excellent company.”

The NCMS is the largest cross-industry collaborative research and development consortium in North America. Boasting over 300 members and 330 collaborative R&D projects since its inception in 1986, NCMS is also the administrative agent for the Robotics Technology Consortium (RTC), an organization with close to 200 members and millions of dollars in competitive project awards since 2007.

For more information, visit http://www.ncms.org

Please plan to participate in our third technology showcase to be held April 28-29, 2010. 

This is an exclusive opportunity for NCMS members to display technologies for managers, engineers, and artisans at the Fleet Readiness Center East Maintenance Center in Cherry Point, North Carolina.  The first day of the event will be for technology displays followed by a day of follow-up meetings with FRC personnel on potential applications.

For additional information please contact:

NCMS Program Manager Debbie Lilu, debral@ncms.org (734) 995-7038.

NCMS is requesting help in the production of concepts for a new project opportunity related to web based access to high performance computing tools. The optimal scope is to create within a two to four week window, sufficient visual concepts using rapid development simulation processes and tools. The end product should enable visualization of key interactive feature sets prior to the development of any web application code.

NCMS is looking for a partner that can bring forth experienced people, the right technical solution and best overall process to accomplish the goals and objectives of this project.

For more information please contact:

NCMS Executive Director of Design & Engineering Programs Jon Riley, jonr@ncms.org (734) 995-0556

America’s manufacturers are at the heart of our country’s economy, providing good-paying jobs for millions of American families. The U.S. manufacturing sector is today the world’s largest; indeed, by itself it would represent the 9th largest economy in the world.

Nevertheless, manufacturing today faces enormous challenges. Manufacturing workers have paradoxically often been victims of their sector’s own success, as rapid productivity growth has meant that goods can be produced with fewer workers, contributing to a several decades-long trend of declining employment. This trend has been compounded by the shift of consumer spending from manufactured goods like TVs and cars to services like tourism, dining out and healthcare as well as increased consumption of manufacturing goods made elsewhere. And the recent downturn has been particularly painful for manufacturing companies, their workers and the communities that rely on them.

Despite these challenges, many sectors of American manufacturing have the potential to enjoy significant growth and success. With the right policies, America can foster successful industries like biotechnology, wind power, nanotechnology, aerospace, next generation automobiles, and perhaps more importantly the industries of the future that we do not even know about today. Although the talent and hard work of America’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and workers will drive these businesses, there is a critical role for sound government policy.

Full Report

Technical Objectives Professionals, LLC is a veteran owned small business specializing in maintenance solutions.  Technical Objectives Professionals has worked closely with government and industry partners developing the future of today’s war fighter, bringing technology to the battle field, and bringing legacy vehicles into the modern arena of maintenance.  Providing maintenance solutions in every clime and place.

Claxton Logistics Services provides Logistics management consulting services.  In addition, Claxton provides maintenance support, logistics engineering support, and supply chain management development and implementation services to the Department of Defense and Industry.