The Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR) is part of Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). HAMR is cutting research and training facility for emerging technology, advanced materials, digital twin, advanced machining, and automation. HAMR was partially funded by the EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge through South Kansas' "Driving Adoption: Smart Manufacturing Technology" initiative.
The South Kansas Region, is employing funding from the EDA to increase the adoption of smart manufacturing technology among small and medium businesses to create a resilient, diversified advanced manufacturing hub.
Since the funding was awarded in 2022, South Kansas has made significant progress to strengthen capabilities and expertise at Wichita State University’s NIAR and WSU Tech. Primary efforts include hiring of new staff, procurement of specialized equipment, set-up of training labs and classrooms, development and execution of training programs, and development of a new headquarters building for future activity.
South Kansas’ efforts are broken into focus areas which include Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Machining, Automated Fiber Placement and Smart Factory Training, all of which will occupy space in the new Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research across from the NIAR headquarters.
- Building Cost: $56M ($26M EDA, $30M WSU) / Total Project Cost: $62 M
-
Square Footage: 170,000
-
Estimated Completion: Early 2026
