We’re excited to announce that FiberX has been selected as a recipient of a Manufacturing Readiness Grant (MRG) administered by Conexus Indiana and the Next Level Manufacturing Institute (NLMI). This grant, provided by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), is set to propel our smart manufacturing capabilities to new heights.
The Manufacturing Readiness Grant program is designed to assist Indiana manufacturers in making tech-enabled capital investments in smart manufacturing technologies. As one of 526 grant recipients across the state, FiberX is poised to leverage this funding to enhance our production processes and expand our capacity to transform corn stover into valuable feedstock for the chemical and materials sectors.
“This Manufacturing Readiness Grant is a game-changer for FiberX,” Skibinski said. “It will allow us to accelerate our adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, significantly boosting our productivity and enabling us to meet the growing demand for sustainable, bio-based materials. We’re grateful to Conexus Indiana and the IEDC for their support in helping us push the boundaries of agricultural innovation.”
The MRG program has had a substantial impact across Indiana, with $57 million in grant funding awarded, supporting $813 million in project budgets across 79 counties. For FiberX, this grant opens doors to cutting-edge technologies such as advanced robotics, sensor technology, and big data analytics – all crucial components in our mission to revolutionize the use of corn stover.
By investing in smart manufacturing capabilities, we aim to join the ranks of other grant recipients who have reported significant improvements in their operations:
- 80% achieving productivity gains
- 53% capturing new customers
- 82% automating previously manual processes
These advancements will not only enhance our ability to process corn stover more efficiently but also allow us to scale our production to meet the increasing demand for high-performance sustainable alternatives in the chemical and materials industries.
This Manufacturing Readiness Grant aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and sustainability. As we implement these new technologies, we’ll be better equipped to:
- Increase our production capacity of bio-based materials
- Improve the quality and consistency of our products
- Reduce waste and energy consumption in our manufacturing processes
- Enhance our ability to customize products for specific industry needs
This grant is more than just financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in our vision and our potential to contribute to Indiana’s growing smart manufacturing ecosystem. As we move forward with implementing these new technologies, we’re excited about the possibilities they open up for FiberX, for Indiana’s agricultural community, and for the broader goal of high-performance sustainable manufacturing.
We look forward to sharing updates on our progress as we integrate these new smart manufacturing technologies into our operations. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AgTech and sustainable materials production!
