I don’t spend my time pontificating about high-concept things; I spend my time solving engineering and manufacturing problems.
-Elon Musk
Start Us Up, Again
In the ’80s and ’90s, there was tremendous energy in our society about the personal computer and the software that made it possible to do things unimagined previously. Remember Microsoft’s inspiring “Start Me Up” launch for Windows 95? That was a big deal – a seminal moment.
The information technology movement inspired a generation to create a whole new economy that has transformed our world in every imaginable way. It changed the way we communicate and the way we travel, and has helped democratize the world as never before. I am equally inspired by the movement underway to use that technology to “make stuff.” My hope is that the Maker Movement described in this documentary trailer will inspire a new generation to improve the standard of living for billions of people around the world and once again transform our economy.
There are dozens of examples within the Columbus Region of this movement. Beam Technologies, a company that just expanded here is a great example of the convergence of information technology and manufacturing design. If you want to see the Maker Movement in full effect, visit the Columbus Idea Foundry. It is an amazing place where ideas can be transformed into reality – how cool is that?
For more on this revolution in manufacturing, please download this official report from the White House.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Last week, Ascena Retail Group held the grand opening of their shared services center and expanded distribution facility in Etna Township. The expansion, an example of state-of-the-art technology and automation, will result in more than 375 new IT and distribution jobs. Congratulations and thank you to Ascena, Grow Licking County and the community.
- This week, the One Columbus team will travel to Atlanta and London for company meetings.
- Back at home, our team will host companies evaluating the Columbus Region.
- Plans are commencing to coordinate manufacturing tours this October in recognition of Manufacturing Month. If you have interest in opening your facility to school-age children, parents and community leaders, please contact Patty Huddle at ph@columbusregion.com and 614-225-6065.