Reno Reporter

According to a press release shared by the University of Nevada, Reno, engineering Dean Erick Jones was a member of a national subcommittee that produced a new report on advanced manufacturing in the US this month that outlines goals for reviving this sluggish industry.

With this, he said one of the areas of focus at the College of Engineering is “fortifying the supply chains for pharma and active pharma ingredients, EV batteries, semiconductors and critically mined materials.”

“The COVID pandemic exposed some of the weaknesses in our supply chains, causing shortages in medical supplies, critical minerals and semiconductors. And that’s just one area of advanced manufacturing that needs to be addressed to secure our country’s economic strength,” Jones said in the release.

The National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing outlines a plan for American leadership in advanced manufacturing that boosts economic growth, generates jobs, improves environmental sustainability, combats climate change, fortifies supply chains, ensures national security, and enhances health care, the release states.

One of the objectives of the report is to optimize a globally sourced, sustainable supply chain, which is a key position for the College of Engineering, and to build resilience into manufacturing supply chains within four years. Additionally, the report hopes to optimize a globally sourced, sustainable supply chain, which is a key position for the College of Engineering, and to build resilience into manufacturing supply chains within four years. 

Various disciplines within the College have advanced manufacturing research programs. To view contributions by department, visit the College of Engineering Advanced Manufacturing webpage.