DETROIT—LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, has officially opened its state-of-the-art Advanced Metallic Production and Processing (AMPP) Center here. 

The facility’s goal is to accelerate the development and deployment of novel metallic materials, filling a key gap in the nation’s defense manufacturing base. The facility will be able to produce metal powders, wires and rods for a variety of applications, including additive manufacturing. This capability promises to de-risk materials development for domestic manufacturers, decrease time to market, and reduce development costs.  

The center will serve as a hub for collaboration between LIFT’s nearly 400-member network and industry stakeholders, including OEMs, materials producers and academia.

“The [center] exemplifies the mission of the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Innovation Institutes: to close critical advanced manufacturing gaps in the U.S. defense industrial base and ensure we remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world,” said Keith DeVries, director of manufacturing technology at the Defense Department.

“The pace of advanced manufacturing innovation is accelerating, and the development of novel materials is crucial to keeping the U.S. ahead of global competitors,” says Nigel Francis, CEO and executive director of LIFT. “With AMPP, we can now rapidly move new materials from concept to prototype, feasibility testing and full-scale production—all within our borders. This capability is a game-changer for both our warfighters and manufacturers across industries.”