MELD Manufacturing Receives Award at 2022 AMUG Conference

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CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – MELD Manufacturing was presented with the Advanced Concepts Award at the 2022 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference. The annual conference, held in Chicago, “recognizes individuals and their companies for outstanding work in additive manufacturing technology”. The first-place award was a result of MELD’s involvement with the U.S. Army’s Jointless Hull Program.

In 2021 the U.S. Army announced that the MELD technology will be used in a new machine to print vehicle hulls. This solves a long-standing vulnerability in welded aluminum-hulled combat vehicles. It was found that the hulls consistently failed at the same point, which is the welds. The Army needed a way to build the hulls without the faulty welds. With the MELD technology, they can build the hull in one piece. The machine will be the world’s largest metal 3D printer, capable of printing parts as large as 20 feet x 30 feet x 12 feet tall.

For the First Place Advanced Concepts Award, the technology was selected due to its novel nature. MELD Manufacturing is the inventor of the patented, award-winning MELD® process. It is a solid-state process for 3D printing metal.

Read the full press release from MELD here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in the NRV here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Pulaski County Companies Collaborate for Innovative Logistics Solutions

Volvo VNR Wins 2022 Green Truck of the Year Award

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Pulaski County, VA – Green Car Journal recently featured an article awarding the Volvo Trucks VNR model the 2022 Green Truck of the Year.

The VNR Electric Truck, released in 2020, originated from Volvo’s Electric Lights Program and has taken the big rig EV market by storm. The VNR was able to edge out competitor EV models from major manufacturers including the Freightliner eCascadia, Kenworth T680E, and Peterbilt 579EV. With a top speed of 68 miles per hour, the 455 horsepower electric big rig can also cover serious ground featuring a 275-mile range and 5 separate configurations to suit a multitude of commercial uses.

Learn more about how Volvo and other companies in the New River Valley are leading the industry’s electric vehicle evolution here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Volvo Lands Largest VNR Truck Order to Date

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Pulaski County, VA – WDBJ7 recently featured an article detailing that Volvo Trucks has received an order for more than 100 of its headline-making VNR Electric Trucks.

The order originated from California-based logistics company, Performance Team. Performance Team dipped their toe in the water last year with a request for 16 electric long-haulers. Their recent order of 110 trucks represents the most significant global order of electric trucks for the Volvo Trucks brand to date.

The article states that “Performance Team plans to deploy its new fleet of electric vehicles in the first quarter of 2023”.

Learn more about how Volvo and other companies in the New River Valley are leading the industry’s electric vehicle evolution here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world-class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

MELD Leads the Way in 3D Printing

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA– Cardinal News recently published an article detailing how NRV-based company MELD Manufacturing Corporation is making 3D printing history.

MELD has created a breakthrough 3D printing process that gained the attention of the U.S. Army as it moves forward on the construction of the world’s largest 3D printer dubbed “The Jointless Hull” project. The project was unveiled on the official Army website, army.mil, on June 1, 2021.

The article states that the “42-foot-tall printer that can print a tank hull” is a joint project, listing a company called ASTRO America as the prime contractor. MELD will be a subcontractor on the contract.

MELD Manufacturing Corporation, which was launched in 2018 as a subsidiary of Aeroprobe Corporation, was selected for the contract for their patented MELD technology.

MELD is a unique process for additive manufacturing that avoids melting the metal, thereby eliminating the weaknesses and other issues associated with melt-based processes. In addition to additive manufacturing, MELD can repair, coat, and join a wide range of materials, including some metals that cannot be welded with traditional processes. MELD’s open-atmosphere operation and scalable equipment make it more efficient and capable of producing more significant parts than similar processes.

The article quotes MELD Manufacturing Corporation CEO Nanci Hardwick saying,

“With MELD, we’ve figured out how to put just enough energy into the metal to make it printable without melting. The MELD process can do metals and parts that other processes are not.”

MELD made headlines at the 2018 R&D 100 Awards, an an international competition that recognizes the 100 most exceptional innovations in science and technology from the past year. MELD™ was selected as the single most disruptive new technology and received a special Market Disruptor award.

Per the article “MELD makes parts to order and sells and leases machines to customers who want to make their parts. It has a contract to supply a machine to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard at the end of 2022”.

The article wraps up with a quote from MELD CEO Nancy Hardwick by asking what’s next for the metal magicians. Hardwick says, “We have a lot of opportunity in front of us, and we’re evaluating the best way to grow and serve the market.”

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

 

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

 
Card Isle Receives Investment from VFF

Blacksburg-Based Card Isle Forms New Partnership

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Montgomery County, VA –The Roanoke Times recently published an article detailing a newly formed partnership between Blacksburg-based technology company Card Isle and OPIE, a South Carolina-based drive-through grocery startup.

Per the article, “the partnership will give OPIE customers the ability to choose and personalize one of Card Isle’s many greeting cards and have the item added to their drive-through grocery order”.

The Roanoke Times piece quotes Card Isle co-founder and CEO Adam Donato saying,

“The partnership is the perfect blend — two technology companies, disrupting and transforming their industries.”

Card Isle is one of many technology startups growing and expanding in Virginia’s New River Valley

Learn more about the technology industry in the region here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

 

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

 

VT and Amazon Partner on Machine Learning Initiative

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Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech recently announced a newly forged partnership with Amazon on a machine learning initiative.

Per the press release, the “Amazon – Virginia Tech Initiative for Efficient and Robust Machine Learning will include machine learning-focused research projects, doctoral student fellowships, community outreach, and an establishment of a shared advisory board.”

Virginia Tech will host an annual public research symposium to disseminate information to communities in the related fields. The university will also team with the tech giant to co-host two-yearly training and recruiting events geared toward students.

“This partnership affirms the value of our connection to Amazon as we scale up project-based learning and research programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Building Virginia Tech’s strength and expertise in these fields will support critical technological advancements and our commitment to fuel workforce development in the commonwealth.”
– Tim Sands, President Virginia Tech

Learn more about the exciting research and innovation projects in the NRV here.

Learn more about IT in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

New River Valley Ranks #3 for Tech Jobs Growth in the U.S.

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New River Valley, VA – Axios recently published an article titled “The New Tech Hubs”. The article features data from The Brookings Institute and details that tech jobs in the New River Valley grew by more than 12% from 2019 to 2020 making the region the 3rd highest for rate of growth in the entire U.S.

The Axios piece quotes Brookings’ Mark Muro, a co-author of the report saying;

“Tech jobs drive innovation, pay well, and have substantial multipliers, for local economies and the national one.”

Source: Brookings Institute analysis of Emsi Burning Glass Data

The Brookings report went on to outline the necessity of state funding as it relates to continued growth within the sector. “Renewed state investments in public higher education will be necessary in building up new tech hubs”. The writers go on to recommend four things to ensure strong growth within the tech sector:

Click here to learn more about the tech industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Tech Wins 2022 National Award For Entrepreneurship Program

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BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech announced that in January the university was awarded the Model Program Award from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE).

The award recognizes “bold and innovative programs making an impact in the field of entrepreneurship education with comprehensive, high-quality educational programs that successfully train future generations of entrepreneurs”.

Per the article, Judi Eyles, Program Awards Chair for USASBE 2022 says:

“Virginia Tech’s program is boldly comprehensive, with a significant lineup of faculty focused on entrepreneurship, many courses, integration with partners, and impressive leadership support.”

The award-winning entrepreneurship ecosystem at Virginia Tech is highlighted in the video below.

 

See more exciting announcements about higher education in the New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Oransi LLC

Industry and Jobs Flowing into the New River Valley

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New River Valley, VA – Four NRV business announcements were recently highlighted in Virginia Business magazine. The New River Valley landed several headline-generating deals in 2021. The article, titled “Compounding Interest”, describes the announcements and their substantial impact on the region. In the article, Onward NRV Executive Director Katie Boswell speaks to the industry appeal of relocating or expanding operations in a region rich with workforce potential.
“The theme that runs through all of our announcements this year is how highly skilled and educated the workforce is and what an important thing that is to the companies who expand or locate here”.
Learn more about the four NRV business announcements included in the 2021 article from below: Read the full article from Virginia Business here. See more business announcements from Virginia’s New River Valley here.
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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”
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Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
Volvo Starts Sales of NRV-Made Electric Trucks

NRV Based Manufacturers Spark Buzz Announcing Advancements to Electric Truck Technology

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Pulaski County, VA – The Virginia Economic Review recently featured an article titled, “Electric Trucks, Connected Vehicles Disrupt Auto Industry,” which highlights two local electric vehicle manufacturers in the NRV. The article shared how two NRV based advanced manufacturers Volvo Trucks and the Trova Commercial Vehicles are both working to research, test, and advance the field of electric fleet technology.

Research and Markets projects a growth rate of nearly 150% for the electric truck market between 2020 and 2026. New technology and mechanical advancements, while exciting, don’t have to be vastly different than the drivers are used to. Bret Pope, Director of Electric Vehicles for Volvo Trucks North America, addresses this in the article;

“We don’t want to make anything radically different in terms of what drivers are used to, drivers will find very similar characteristics to the trucks of today”.
Trova Commercial vehicles is another NRV based manufacturer that plans to enter the commercial electric truck sector by converting existing trucks from diesel to electric by utilizing their proprietary “modular chassis”. Trova is still building its first modular chassis for a customer and expects to debut its full conversion prototype later this year.

Read the full article about the advances that Volvo and Trova are making to electric fleet vehicles here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.