FAQs
Has Our Name Always Been The Manufacturing Collaborative?
No. We changed our name to The Manufacturing Collaborative in 2024.
In 2019, we started as the Vermont Manufacturing Collaborative with an intention to work mostly with Vermont companies. As our work has grown, our network of collaborators has expanded across the U.S. and to a broad range of industries. We changed our name to reflect that expanding network while maintaining our steadfast commitment to collaboration.
Is The Manufacturing Collaborative part of Vermont State University?
The Manufacturing Collaborative is an initiative of Vermont State University (VTSU) with the Advanced Manufacturing Center being located on the VTSU Randolph campus.
The Collaborative exists to support companies needing access to technology, capacity, and a workforce adept at utilizing various manufacturing technologies. Having a production/learning center on a college campus offers tremendous accessibility for Learners of all types. It’s important to note that skills are learned through active engagement in a functioning production center using real-world production work. The work and learning is independent of any VTSU academic path and no college credits are provided.
Do you provide advanced manufacturing services or training?
Both, we have a dual mission: help companies understand, adopt and integrate advanced manufacturing and to train the next generation workforce to support them. We provide services to help companies prototype, evaluate and experiment with new technologies. We help companies integrate new technologies by providing expert advice and technology demonstrations to de-risk investment decisions. We provide technical training on design, equipment operation and maintenance.
My idea or part is confidential (commercial IP or CUI). Is my information digitally and physically secure?
We completely understand the need for digital and physical confidentiality and take that very seriously. We offer to create a Non Disclosure Agreement with each potential customer before discussing the details of a project.
When a digital and/or physical asset is identified as “Sensitive Information”, we have handling procedures for both.
Do your services compete with other local production companies?
Our mission is to accelerate US manufacturing and undercutting other capable companies would be absolutely counter to that mission. We use our unique capabilities to offer new services that aren’t available locally. Where our services are similar to local companies, we often are a resource for small quantities or to help with supply chain constraints. We also intentionally strive to set our prices to match industry standards to ensure equity.