Advanced Manufacturing Forum drives readiness through innovation and collaboration

By Spc. Mya Webster, 21st TSC Public Affairs

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - Leaders from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Army Materiel Command and industry and partner organizations gathered on June 17 for the Advanced Manufacturing Forum to discuss how advanced manufacturing can strengthen readiness, accelerate sustainment solutions and expand production capabilities across the European theater.

Hosted by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the quarterly forum highlighted progress made since the opening of the command's Millrinder Innovation Center and focused on scaling advanced manufacturing capabilities through networked production, digital collaboration and partnerships across military and industry organizations.

During opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, reflected on the rapid growth of the command's advanced manufacturing efforts and the impact they have already had on operational readiness.

Since opening earlier this year, the Millrinder Innovation Center has supported real-world operational requirements, producing components and solutions for missions supporting U.S. forces while helping address sustainment challenges across the theater. According to Lalor, the center began producing solutions almost immediately after opening and has since manufactured hundreds of components supporting both operational and readiness requirements.

"In a short amount of time, we've proved our value," said Lalor. "What we're doing here can deliver effects and deliver readiness."

While recognizing the success achieved to date, Lalor emphasized that the next challenge is expanding those capabilities at scale to meet growing demands throughout the theater.

Forum participants discussed efforts to build a distributed advanced manufacturing network capable of producing parts and solutions closer to the point of need. Leaders highlighted recent progress connecting advanced manufacturing equipment to Army networks, enabling greater collaboration, data sharing and visibility across participating organizations.

The command recently connected advanced manufacturing equipment to Army networks, enabling greater collaboration, data sharing and visibility across participating organizations. By connecting equipment across the force, leaders hope to accelerate adoption and create a collaborative network capable of sharing workload, designs and production capacity across multiple locations.

Lalor stressed that advanced manufacturing encompasses far more than 3D printing alone and includes a broad range of fabrication, innovation and production capabilities that contribute to readiness and operational flexibility. The command's vision is to establish a theater-wide ecosystem where military and industry partners can collaborate, share resources and rapidly produce solutions when and where they are needed.

Additional discussions focused on the Army's ongoing parts qualification efforts and the growing network of manufacturing capabilities located throughout Europe. Participants received updates on maintenance facilities in Kaiserslautern and Vilseck, as well as plans to further integrate military, industry and partner-nation capabilities into a cohesive manufacturing network capable of supporting operations across the theater.

The event concluded with demonstrations and a facility tour at the Kaiserslautern Army Depot (KAD), showcasing advanced manufacturing capabilities currently supporting Army sustainment operations. Attendees also exchanged ideas on future opportunities for collaboration, innovation and capability development.

As the Army continues to modernize its sustainment enterprise, leaders emphasized that advanced manufacturing remains a critical tool for strengthening supply chains, increasing operational agility and delivering readiness at speed and scale.