Manufacturing 4.0 Workforce Innovation Program

Geographic Scope: Iowa

Program Purpose:
Addresses workforce issues by assisting manufacturers that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrate the ability to utilize Manufacturing 4.0 technologies.

Focus Areas - Program Prioritizes Companies That:

• Address workforce shortages that are limiting the company in either growth or sales
• Retain existing employees by refocusing human capital from manual, labor-intensive positions into highly-skilled, value-added occupations through integration of robotic and automated systems
• Increase productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness through acquisition of Industry 4.0 technology and equipment

Eligible Applicants:

• Manufacturers in Iowa
• Companies negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
• Companies demonstrating ability to utilize Manufacturing 4.0 technologies

Key Features:

• Supports companies in recovery from pandemic
• Helps maintain global competitiveness
• Technology-focused advancements
• Focus on automation and robotic integration
• Employee skill development and retention (not job elimination)

Example Award Amount:

• Timberline Manufacturing received: $500,000

Geographic Scope:

• Cedar Rapids Metro region (Economic Alliance members are recipients)

Contact Information:

• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
• Phone: (319) 398-5317
• Email: economicalliance@cedarrapids.org

Recent Recipients:

• Crystal Group (2022)
• Timberline Manufacturing (2022) - $500,000 award

Application Process

Submission:

• Applications can be submitted with assistance from Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

Support Available:

• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance assists with applications and provides guidance
• Phone: (319) 398-5317
• Email: economicalliance@cedarrapids.org

Project Examples (from funded recipients):
Grantees use funds for projects such as:

• Automated wire coiling systems
• UV cure equipment
• Label printing centers
• Automated guided carts
• Projector build stations
• Cavity plug automation
• RFID tracking systems
• 3D printing equipment
• Laser etching equipment
• Metrology and testing equipment