Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the Manufactory -- a Cincinnati "Makerspace" that is part of the growing Maker Movement, which is fueling a resurgence in American manufacturing.
So, what exactly is a Makerspace? Makerspaces are community-based facilities that provide access to manufacturing equipment and technology, such as 3-D printers, laser cutters, design software, and machine tools, that allow entrepreneurs and hobbyists to design, prototype and create manufactured works. The Manufactory is a family-run facility started by the Krieg Family (pictured below) several years ago.
During the tour, the President of the Manufactory, Lee Krieg, demonstrated the many types of equipment that members of the Manufactory can utilize.
Members of the Manufactory include small businesses, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, tinkerers, and just about anyone who has a passion to learn and create. During my tour, I even met a father and son who were using a 3-D printer to prototype new styles of mouth guards for their own small business. The pair said that without the Manufactory, it would be incredibly difficult for them to access the tools necessary to grow their business.
Makerspaces are quickly becoming community hubs for innovation. We are fortunate to have the Manufactory in our community. It is creating exciting new opportunities for small businesses and making it possible for entrepreneurs to innovate and create manufactured works.
