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SMARTER NC

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About the SMARTER NC Federal Grant

Goal: Provide targeted technical assistance to small-medium sized manufacturers, increasing awareness, access to, and implementation of smart manufacturing technologies with priority outreach to rural communities and underrepresented populations.

 

Watch this video to learn more about the SMARTER NC program

 

 

The Benefits of Smart Manufacturing

Improved efficiency

Smart factories can monitor equipment performance and automate complex processes, improving accuracy and reducing human error.

Increased productivity

Smart factories can use data to identify issues, such as when a machine is slowing down production, and then use artificial intelligence systems to resolve them.

Long-term cost savings

Smart factories can use predictive maintenance to identify potential problems early and address them at a convenient time, which can save money.

Greater flexibility

Smart factories can scale production quickly to meet changing demand and can customize products to meet specific customer needs.

 

How the program works:

Step-1

The North Carolina Department of Commerce and NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions will:

  • Provide awareness and training of smart manufacturing opportunities
  • Identify small and medium-sized manufacturers in North Carolina interested in deploying smart manufacturing technologies
Step-2
North Carolina manufacturers will complete a short application to determine if their company is ready to participate in the program. ncstateies.com/sncapp
 
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
Step-3

The SMARTER NC team will review applications and qualified companies selected to participate will:

  • Receive free assessments
  • Receive technical assistance with understanding how smart manufacturing projects can improve factory processes and lower energy costs*
  • Receive help with new smart manufacturing implementation projects with technology roadmaps, project solution ideas, and matching investment funding: SMARTER NC helps the company define a relevant project that increases production efficiency and lowers energy costs*
Step-4
Company will work with 3rd party integrator to finalize a project solution and obtain a quote.
Step-5
The SMARTER NC team reviews the quote and agrees to reimburse a matching level of non-equipment costs including integration and training expenses.
Step-6
Company completes the project with 3rd party and submits the agreed to reimbursement amount for payment.

*Funding priority will be given to higher energy use projects

The program will be focused on
(but not limited to)

 

Target Location
(but not limited to)

Prioritize assistance with Small-Medium Manufacturers in 3 targeted rural-based NC prosperity zones

  • Southeast Prosperity Zone

    Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Hoke, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland

  • Sandhills Prosperity Zone

    Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, Wayne

  • Northwest Prosperity Zone

    Alexander, Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey

SMARTER NC Map of NC

Target Industries
(but not limited to manufacturers in)

  • Biopharmaceutical
  • Metal Fabrication
  • Chemical and Polymer
  • Food and Beverage
  • Automotive and Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
  • Textiles

 

US Department of Energy
NC Department of Commerce
Industry Expansion Solutions
Disclaimer: “This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.”