WESTBOROUGH, MASS. — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced 17 new grantees from the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program (MMAP) during an event in Charlestown. A total of $3,144,982 was awarded to the manufacturers, empowering them to purchase new capital equipment to enhance production, meet customer demand, increase workforce skills for employees, and boost job creation.
The Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech Collaborative (CAM) launched MMAP in June 2021, and has since invested nearly $11 million total in projects for 56 small to medium-sized manufacturers statewide. MMAP invests in projects that will help employers meet the demands of ‘Industry 4.0,’ the innovation-driven production methods that leverage smart technologies, including data analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and connected technologies to maintain competitiveness. The 17 companies in the current funding cohort estimate that their projects will create between 78 to 115 jobs, and 63 to 98 employees will be upskilled as a result of this investment.
“Team Massachusetts doesn’t hold back when it comes to building better products, sharpening our production capabilities, and investing in new, cutting-edge technologies,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “With these MMAP grants, we are strengthening the advanced manufacturing sector across Massachusetts by providing these 17 companies with the necessary tools to scale their operations, improve their overall production capabilities, and continue to meet their economic objectives.”
“At the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, we are constantly working to build a stronger, more efficient manufacturing sector by investing in capital equipment and workforce development opportunities,” said CAM Director Christine Nolan. “We received a huge response from manufacturers statewide, selecting companies that are well-positioned as suppliers to meet the demands of critical industries such as semiconductors, textiles, battery technologies, defense, and robotics. We are excited to track their progress over the coming years, to see how each of these grantees utilize new technologies to help them scale, add jobs, and contribute to a local supply chain that continues to excel. This will help us build a stronger, more innovative ‘Made in Mass.’ manufacturing sector!”
Participants in the MMAP program partner with non-profit partners from across the ecosystem who will support their growth through workforce development programs, technology landscape assistance, connections, and more. These partners include Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), MassHire Southeast (Greater New Bedford), and the Berkshire Innovation Center.
The 17 MMAP grantees are listed below, along with summaries of their funded projects.
“MassMEP proudly supports MassTECH’s MMAP program,” said Kathie Mahoney, President of the MassMEP. “Through MMAP, MassTECH empowers local manufacturers to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the state’s economic growth. This initiative underscores the dedication to fostering a robust ecosystem where businesses can flourish, driving forward the prosperity of our communities.
"Massachusetts has proven to be a leader in manufacturing production, and with these new grants, can continue to cement our place as a competitive leader in high-quality, innovative, and cutting edge manufacturing production for years to come in all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), Senate Chair of the Legislature's Manufacturing Caucus. “I believe we should continue to make manufacturing investments and work together with the industry to improve production, continue providing good paying jobs for our residents, expand innovation and make world-class advancements in research and development. Congratulations to CPS Technologies in Norton on receiving $200,000 as part of this grant funding, and thank you to the Healey Administration and the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program for continuing to fuel growth into the manufacturing sector to maximize production capabilities, address consumer needs and bolster the manufacturing workforce which currently employs nearly seven percent of all Massachusetts workers."
“These grants will continue to improve manufacturing production and are a recognition that manufacturing contributes significantly to the state’s economy and plays a vital role in driving innovation and technological advancements,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin,) House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. “Manufacturing provides high paying jobs for the residents of the Commonwealth and these grants will further the focus on innovation and sustainability, with companies investing in research and development to create new products and processes that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve energy efficiency. And they will help Massachusetts remain a strong leader in advanced manufacturing.”
Companies interested in applying for the MMAP program can learn more and apply on the CAM website. The deadline to apply for the next round of MMAP is April 3, 2024.
Summary of MMAP Grants – Spring 2024
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Antenna Research Associates (ARA)
Project: ARA focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of antennas and RF systems for both defense and civilian applications. This grant will allow the company to invest in an automated pressure-controlled paint booth, improving the quality of protective coatings that many ARA customers require. The paint booth will also increase production and ensure better workplace safety. ARA estimates they will be able to upskill 7-10 employees. |
Project: Busek specializes in creating propulsion technology, sensors, and systems for use in aerospace applications. The company’s solar-electric rockets play an essential role in maneuvering satellites and human-rated spacecraft, and are used to adjust orbits, change inclinations, perform docking, and evasive movements. This MMAP grant will provide Busek with the means to acquire additional CNC equipment, a precision coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to inspect critical part dimensions for quality purposes, and a metal 3D printer to enable rapid prototyping and tooling processes. Busek expects to upskill 1-3 employees through this project. |
Project: CPS Technologies offers advanced material solutions that enable microelectronics for various industries, including transportation, automotive, energy, computing, telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. With this grant, CPS will be able to purchase their first five-axis CNC machine, allowing them to halt the outsourcing of specific tasks. CPS will also increase the technical offerings of their hermetic packaging line, and engage in the fabrication of complex, machined microelectronics housings. CPS expects to upskill 4-6 employees. |
Project: Elateq, Inc. is a woman-, minority-, and veteran-owned company that offers advanced electrochemical technologies for wastewater treatment, providing chemical-free, sustainable compliance solutions for water discharge. The MMAP grant will allow Elateq to acquire custom electrode modification tanks, an electrode preparation controller, and a 4300 handheld Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analyzer. Elateq will be able to advance the manufacturing efficiencies and quality of their proprietary electrode material, and manufacture mixing components at-scale for their treatment units. Elateq expects to upskill 1-3 employees. |
Project: Fusion Optix specializes in developing and manufacturing LED light fixtures, precision optical components, and LED light engines. With this grant, Fusion Optix will be able to buy a new pick-and-place chip mounter to automate the assembly of electronics with enhanced speed, accuracy, and precision. This investment will allow Fusion Optix to phase out outdated equipment, liberating additional production space for other activities. As a result of this project, Fusion Optix anticipates they will be able to upskill 1-3 employees. |
Project: Guardian Agriculture manufactures autonomous electric vertical-takeoff and landing drone (eVTOL) systems for environmentally-sustainable agriculture on a commercial scale. Their objective is to equip every grower with safe, effective, and precise aerial application tools, helping empower farmers to optimize their use of chemicals and to grow more efficiently. The grant will give Guardian the resources to purchase a five-axis CNC, reducing cycle time in prototyping and enabling the local production of essential components, while diminishing its reliance on Chinese suppliers. Guardian predicts they will be able to upskill 4-6 employees. |
Project: Harmonic Drive is in the business of engineering and manufacturing precision servo actuators, gearheads, and gear component sets for various sectors, including surgical equipment, defense, semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, industrial automation, and more. The MMAP investment will allow Harmonic Drive to source CNC gear skiving equipment, increasing gear accuracy and reducing processing time by as much as 75 percent. Harmonic Drive expects to upskill 7-10 employees. |
Project: Kinefac Corporation, a primarily woman-owned business, is a global leader in metal forming technology. The company specializes in crafting specialty-precision metal forming machinery with capabilities in cold form rolling, extrusion, radial forming, center-drive turning, deflection coiling, and other metal forming processes. The MMAP grant will enable Kinefac to buy a new large format thread grinder to replace old machinery. This purchase will enhance operating reliability, reduce machine downtime, and improve precision of the grinding process. Kinefac expects to upskill 1-3 employees. |
Project: Matouk Textiles is a manufacturer of handcrafted luxury linens that has operated for nearly 100 years. The MMAP investment will enable the company to acquire a Twine X4 Digital Thread Dyeing machine to vertically integrate thread dyeing into their current manufacturing capability. This will provide greater control over the color standard, color fastness, and color consistency in their process. It will also allow them to dye the exact amount of thread required to complete a job, minimizing material waste. As a result of this project, Matouk expects to upskill 7-10 employees. |
Project: Patriot Armor specializes in developing bullet resistant, blast resistant, forced entry, and security glass. They produce customized solutions for use in government buildings, law enforcement, schools, office buildings, storefronts, and high-threat U.S. government assets. This grant will empower Patriot to purchase seaming equipment, including a Schiavo Star wet seamer and a Sulak BBT semi-automatic wet seamer, devices that will enable Patriot to improve their production capacity and the quality of their products. Patriot expects to upskill 11+ employees as a result of this project. |
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Precision Fabricators, LLC (PFL)
Project: Precision Fabricators provides machining, welding, polishing, and pressure vessel delivery services. A significant portion of the company’s product line serves the semiconductor industry by creating critical, ultrapure hazardous materials that are needed during chip fabrication. PFL will utilize the grant funds to purchase six new pieces of equipment, including an automated robotic welding system, a laser-cutting system, and an advanced five-axis mill. These pieces of equipment will enable PFL to address current and emerging manufacturing requirements of the latest generation deposition systems. As a result of this project, PFL expects to upskill 4-6 employees. |
Project: QCI designs and manufactures high-precision mechanical components in the medical, aerospace, robotics, and power generation sectors. The MMAP investment will provide QCI with the resources to purchase a multi-tasking CNC turning center (Mazak Multiplex W200Y) and a GL-100 Robotic Gantry Loader. QCI will be able to achieve continuous operations with precision and consistency, reducing workpiece change times for an overall increase in productivity and versatility. QCI expects to upskill 4-6 employees as a result. |
Project: Randolph Engineering specializes in the manufacturing optical frames and sunglasses, serving the Department of Defense and other consumers around the world. This grant will enable Randolph to purchase a new automated polishing machine, new laser marking machinery, and inspection equipment. Randolph will replace aging machinery with contemporary manufacturing equipment, upgrading key processes to enhance product quality, boost productivity, and improve workplace safety. As a result of this project, Randolph expects to upskill 1-3 employees. |
Project: Richards Design creates high-quality CNC-machined parts for the aerospace, defense, robotics, and automation industries. The MMAP grant will enable Richards to invest in a Yamazen Flex2 automation cell (including a six-axis robotic arm) and a new electrical discharge machining (EDM) device. Richards will be able to address efficiency and capacity challenges to meet client demand, incorporating new technologies into their manufacturing process. As a result of this project, Richards expects to upskill 4-6 employees. |
Project Description: Sensing Systems offers a comprehensive range of measurement services and produces high-quality, strain gage-based sensors. Their products and services include Sensor Design & Manufacturing, Load Cells & Torque Sensors, Field Measurements, Calibration Services, Strain Gaging, and Assembly. With this grant, the company will be able to design and manufacture a one-million-pound capacity force calibration press. As a result, they can calibrate the high-capacity load cells they manufacture, a critical requirement in the manufacturing process that is currently outsourced. As a result of this project, Sensing Systems expects to upskill 4-6 employees. |
Project: Titcomb Bros. designs and produces concrete forms, form ties, and forming hardware for application in residential and commercial concrete construction projects. With the aid of this grant, Titcomb will be able to invest in two pieces of automated equipment, a highly advanced welding robot, and a multi-step wire form loop tie machine. Titcomb will, as a result, expand their capacity to produce standard size and custom length concrete form ties (these are essential components in the formation of nearly all concrete structures built today). They will also significantly increase general output. As a result of this project, Titcomb expects to upskill 1-3 employees. |
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United Stretch Design Corp.
Project: United Stretch Design is a braided textile manufacturer that focuses on round and flat elastic cord, and non-elastic ropes and tapes, supporting the automotive, defense, marine, and filtration industries. United Stretch aims to purchase new bobbin winding machines and braiding machines with their MMAP grant. This will enable United Stretch to churn out higher quality products at a greater capacity, with more control over product specifications, while also modernizing the company’s image. United Stretch expects to upskill 1-3 employees as a result |
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