Six QC companies awarded Manufacturing 4.0 grants
Six companies in the QC region were awarded Manufacturing 4.0 Workforce Innovation grants and Technology Investment grants by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), funds that will be used to address workforce issues exacerbated by COVID-19 and integrate smart technologies.
Manufacturing 4.0 Innovation Grants were awarded to:
- LeClaire Manufacturing, $500,000
- Lewis Machine & Tool, $500,000
- Schebler, $500,000
- Sivyer Steel, $500,000
Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program grants were awarded to:
- Air Control Inc., $25,000
- Douglas Machine, $50,000
“Sharing information about incentives that support the investment and adoption of innovative technologies has been a major priority for the Quad Cities Chamber,” said Chris Caves, Vice President, Business & Economic Growth. “We recognize our local manufacturers are facing compounded challenges with workforce and supply chains. The IEDA Manufacturing 4.0 grants are addressing these challenges head-on and matching employers with dollars that will have a direct impact on their productivity and profitability now and into the future.
“We applaud all who have submitted grant applications and encourage those companies with fewer than 75 employees to take advantage of dollars still available through the IEDA Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Grant,” she said.
The Technology Investment Program is designed to help manufacturers increase productivity, efficiency and competitiveness through machinery acquisition, specialized equipment for automation such as collaborative robotics, advanced and autonomous robotics and equipment for process improvements. Manufacturers with 3-75 employees were eligible.
The Innovation Grants are geared toward manufacturers with 76-250 employees who want to invest in 4.0 technologies to address workforce issues exacerbated by COVID-19. Recipients received up to $500,000 in grant funding and a minimum match of 25% was required.
Iowa’s Manufacturing 4.0 plan is a roadmap to help manufacturers in the state remain globally competitive through automation and smart technology. Governor Kim Reynolds appropriated $30 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the grant programs in October 2021.
“To maintain our economic vitality in this sector, particularly as we work to mitigate ongoing workforce shortages, these grants serve as a critical resource to support advanced manufacturing businesses. It is imperative that our businesses remain globally competitive and a step ahead of the evolving demands of the 21st century economy,” Governor Reynolds said in a press release.
IEDA is still accepting applications for the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment program grants for smaller manufacturers.
