WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — At the IN-MaC relaunch, the atmosphere inside the Indiana Manufacturing Institute buzzed with more than electricity—it buzzed with possibility.
Students and educators, CEOs and government leaders, gathered not just to cut a ceremonial ribbon, but to signal the start of something bigger: the relaunch of IN-MaC—the Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center. With a fresh mission, expanded programming, and ambitious statewide goals, IN-MaC is staking its claim as a driving force behind Indiana’s future in advanced manufacturing.
“This is more than a relaunch,” said Nathan Hartman, Dauch Family Professor of Advanced Manufacturing and Director of IN-MaC. “It’s a recommitment to doing what Indiana does best—making things—and ensuring we’re ready for what’s next.”
What’s next, as Hartman and others made clear, is digital transformation: smart systems, automation, industry-aligned training, and workforce development that starts early and reaches deep. Rooted in Purdue Polytechnic’s School of Engineering Technology, IN-MaC sits at the intersection of industry, education, and innovation.
Its efforts center on three areas:
- Manufacturing workforce and education to build and upskill talent,
- Technology demonstration to help Indiana companies adopt cutting-edge tools, and
- A state-of-the-art testbed where companies and researchers prototype new ideas in a digitally connected environment.
And while IN-MaC has always had industry ties, this event made one thing clear: those partnerships are expanding.
Michael Hughes, Digital Engineering Lead at Cummins, praised the momentum and mutual benefit: “Innovation moves fast, and we need spaces like IN-MaC to help keep our workforce and operations aligned with the future.”
Stephanie Spillman, Workforce Principal Specialist at Honda, echoed the value of hands-on experience: “Through these partnerships, students aren’t just learning about manufacturing—they’re living it. It’s the kind of preparation that lasts a lifetime.”
Tony Denhart, Executive Vice President of Talent and Workforce at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative:
“We’re thrilled to partner with and support initiatives like IN-MaC. These solutions are accelerating transformation across research, workforce, education, and beyond. This strategic realignment opens the door to more possibilities—and even more growth.”
But the day’s most heartfelt moments came from educators.
Marcus Wagner, principal at Dekalb High School, recounted how IN-MaC helped reframe what was possible for their students: “We’ve gone from just preparing graduates to launching futures. One student recently told me, ‘I never thought I could do this—now I know I can.’ That’s the power of partnership.”
Aaron Baute, chancellor of Ivy Tech in West Lafayette, to Chuck Johnson, president of Vincennes University, the message was consistent: IN-MaC is a rising tide, lifting education, industry, and community alike.
“We must create custom solutions that meet people where they are,” said Chuck Johnson. “IN-MaC gives us the infrastructure and collaboration needed to do just that—uniting institutions and employers to build a more inclusive future.”
“[IN-MaC] has blossomed into a hub of design and innovation,” added Aaron Baute. “We’re proud to continue building strong, future-focused partnerships that serve students and industry across Indiana.”
Purdue Polytechnic remains a foundational partner, providing the academic home, research expertise, and student pipeline that help bring IN-MaC’s mission to life. Its dean, Daniel Castro, reinforced the vision:
“IN-MaC is one of the ways we bring our mission to life—connecting applied learning with industry needs. We’re proud to help shape the next chapter of manufacturing in Indiana.”
Guests toured IN-MaC’s intelligent manufacturing testbed, watched students present interactive demos, and explored the Design & Innovation Studio—a space where creativity, code, and craftsmanship collide.
By the time the ribbon was cut and applause echoed through the lab, one thing was clear: IN-MaC isn’t just evolving—it’s accelerating.
For Indiana to lead tomorrow’s economy, it needs more than just factories.
It needs imagination. It needs investment.
It needs IN-MaC.
Media Contact:
Sascha Harrell
IN-MaC Director of Education and Workforce
Indiana Manufacturing Competitive Center
smharrel@purdue.edu | 765-494-2278