University of Maine Embarks on Build of Factory of the Future

The University of Maine has broken ground on the Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building, a 50,000-sq.-ft. facility designed to house the Factory of the Future (FoF) incorporating digital manufacturing technologies and adaptive, immersive learning spaces for students at UMaine and across the University of Maine System. 

Scheduled for completion in 2026, GEM represents a nearly $82 million investment in interdisciplinary research and education. This facility has been designed to meet the research and education needs in advanced manufacturing, and to train the engineering and computing workforce. GEM will operate as a partnership between the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC), the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

“This project started as an ambitious vision, and it is becoming a reality thanks to interdisciplinary collaboration and a vision that integrates research and learning,” says Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of UMaine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias. 

“As a national research institution with R1 Carnegie classification, UMaine has the talent and reputation for innovation and achievement,” she continues. “Once completed, GEM will create even greater opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and partners to address a multitude of economic and societal needs for Maine and beyond.”

GEM will also operate as a large-scale digital additive and hybrid manufacturing test bed for entrepreneurs and companies wanting to integrate advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies into their operations. With focus on bio-based materials and sustainable technologies, GEM will leverage Maine’s strengths and drive investment in sustainable manufacturing.

GEM will work with industry to manufacture reasonably priced housing, marine vessel production, and renewable energy and civil infrastructure components, while using bio-based materials, according to UMaine.

GEM’s role is to conduct the advanced manufacturing research and workforce development training so that these new technologies can be beneficial to industry. Students at all levels—visiting K-12 students to doctoral candidates—will experience the FoF environment through interactive, distributed and connected learning spaces.

GEM will allow students to move from interactive classroom spaces with University of Maine System-wide access; to immersive learning within the mini-GEM; up to working within the two large manufacturing bays, researching how best to design and manufacture homes, boats and other products. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.