Driving Innovation in Kentucky's Metals Industry: A Vision for Growth

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The Tech Innovation Strategy Group within MI2 is set on changing the landscape of the Kentucky metals industry through a series of projects and initiatives slated for the upcoming year and beyond. With a strong commitment to technological advancement, sustainability, and workforce development, we have outlined an agenda that encompasses a diverse range of innovative ventures aimed at driving progress and fostering growth within the sector.

Piloting emerging tech solutions in workforce & sustainability stands as one of the cornerstones of our vision. Through this initiative, we are dedicated to identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies that not only optimize workforce efficiency but also promote sustainable practices within the industry. By spearheading the KY SwITCH Tech Hub and collaborating on the development of an Automotive Manufacturing Innovation & Technology Hub in Bowling Green, we are actively facilitating the adoption of advanced manufacturing solutions, particularly in the context of the industry's transition towards Electric Vehicles (EVs). By leveraging the expertise of industry executives and fostering stakeholder engagement, we are aiming for transformative change within the metals industry.

Furthermore, our strategy group is working in tandem with the Talent and Workforce Strategy Group to pioneer innovative programs that aim to integrate individuals currently outside the workforce into the talent pipeline. This inclusive approach encompasses initiatives targeting retirees, veterans, as well as individuals seeking a second chance post-drug rehabilitation or incarceration. By exploring automation strategies and implementing shared workforce solutions, we are committed to not only enhancing operational efficiency but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity within the workforce.

In alignment with its sustainability objectives, we are spearheading an industry-wide initiative focused on the efficient utilization of waste heat within member facilities. By leveraging data-driven best practices and implementing waste heat conversion technologies, we aim to demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable practices within the metals industry. Moreover, through the conversion from diesel-fueled to non-diesel fork trucks in Kentucky metals plants, we are helping shift the industry even more towards alternative energy sources, working towards eco-friendly practices.

As part of our strategic outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, we are poised to screen and evaluate a minimum of 20 technologies, encompassing areas such as robotics, automation, AI, and recycling, to facilitate the realization of its broader goals. By facilitating collaborative validation and business analysis, we aspire to implement at least five technologies over the next five years, thereby achieving a substantial return on investment of $10 million for technology implementation within the Kentucky metals industry. Leveraging government funding to mitigate technological risks, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving sustainable growth and fostering technological innovation within the metals industry.