Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center

Located in Columbia County, Oregon, OMIC R&D focuses on applied research and advanced manufacturing for industrial companies.[5] It works with manufacturers, metals manufacturing suppliers, and higher education partners. University and company researchers work with undergraduate and graduate student assistants on problem sets defined by OMIC R&D's industry members. The 33,800 sq. ft. facility was bought in part by the $2.5 million in Oregon Lottery Revenue Bonds and a $1.7 million investment by the Oregon Institute of Technology. Oregon R&D has also received capital bond and operating funds from the Oregon Legislature and a $3 million grant from Commerce's Economic Development Administration.[6] It has recurring funding from OMIC R&D membership dues at varying rates based on each member's participation level. Members include national and international corporations, as well as three Oregon universities: Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. OMIC R&D is an anchor for innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of the metals manufacturing industry by serving companies of all sizes through an industry-driven collaborative, and providing a critical mass of workforce and innovation assets in the region, creating both an R&D and training partnership for advanced manufacturing in Oregon.[7]

Portland Community College (PCC) will build a 25,000 sq. ft. training center on 20 acres of land in Scappoose, OR near the OMIC R&D Center. Scheduled to open in the fall of 2020, the OMIC Training Center will be funded by student tuition, state and federal grants, and $9.4 million in existing bond funds invested by PCC. It will provide Oregonians with Oregon Metals Initiative (OMI) workforce development, training, and a hands-on “earn and learn” apprenticeship program led by PCC and associated with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). This program will emphasize craftsmanship, professionalism, and placing graduates into high-wage, high-demand jobs. Students will be able to complete an associate degree or a certificate leading to an advanced degree. While OMIC Training Center construction is underway, PCC will have a temporary delivery site at Scappoose High School beginning in 2018. OMIC Training is led by Christopher Holden the director of training, Erica Hand Career Coach and Mohammed Maraee training coordinator.[8]