On Friday, September 29, 2017, officials from Georgia Tech, Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute and Robins Air Force Base gathered to sign a partnership agreement that will form the basis of a new collaboration for the organizations.

According to the Proclamation of Collaborative Partnership proffered by Robins Air Force Base, “The leadership of Robins Air Force Base (RAFB) and the Georgia Institute of Technology proclaim their desire and intention to work collaboratively, not only for the mutual benefit of their institutions, but also for the citizens of Georgia and the United States.” The proclamation also sets out guidelines for the partnership whereby the entities will collaborate on “defense-related projects and further development in aerospace research and technology, including materials, information technology, computer science, flight dynamics, aero propulsion and power, electronics, avionics, aging aircraft issues, manufacturing and environmental issues.”

"GTMI and the Georgia Tech community are proud to welcome the Robins Air Force Base to our manufacturing innovation neighborhood," said Ben Wang, executive director of GTMI. "This partnership begins a new phase in our working relationship and is sure to bring about new and exciting research and solutions to the manufacturing challenges we face."

In addition to the proclamation, officials also signed an Industrial Partners Program Membership Agreement between Robins Air Force Base and GTMI.

Transforming world-class research into real-world value for industry partners is one of Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute’s most important goals. Much of our success comes from active collaboration with industry partners who help drive research outcomes to produce results that are readily implemented into the industrial sector.

GTMI works with companies of all sizes on short- and long-term projects, ranging from several months to a few years. Research projects are defined in association with partner companies and when initiated, ongoing project interaction is maintained between personnel at the sponsoring company and our team. More information is available on the GTMI website at www.manufacturing.gatech.edu.