Strategic partnership will advance technology adoption, workforce readiness and industry collaboration to support Michigan's defense industrial base.

SOUTHFIELD, MI, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Michigan's defense manufacturers are navigating growing workforce, supply chain and technology challenges as defense requirements continue to evolve. To help address those needs, SME and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michigan have formed a strategic partnership focused on strengthening the state's defense manufacturing ecosystem.

The partnership combines SME's expertise in advanced manufacturing and workforce development with NDIA Michigan's ability to convene leaders across industry, government and academia to address shared defense manufacturing challenges. Together, the organizations will focus on strengthening workforce readiness, accelerating technology adoption and advancing solutions that support Michigan's defense manufacturing community.

"The strength of our nation's defense industrial base depends on manufacturers having access to the technology, talent and collaboration they need to remain competitive and responsive to evolving defense needs," said Jeannine Kunz, SME executive director and CEO. "By bringing together SME's manufacturing expertise with NDIA Michigan's deep connections across the defense community, we are creating new opportunities to identify industry challenges, develop practical solutions and help manufacturers build the capabilities needed to support our nation's defense."

The partnership's first initiative launched at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), where SME and NDIA Michigan members co-hosted a Suppliers Roundtable & Workshop with manufacturers across Michigan's defense industrial base.

Participants identified challenges related to workforce shortages, supply chain resilience, production capacity, quality requirements and advanced manufacturing technologies. Those insights help guide future educational resources, industry engagement and outreach efforts designed to address the evolving needs of Michigan's defense manufacturers.

Looking ahead, SME and NDIA Michigan will collaborate on additional workshops, educational programs and research forums for congressional and DoD partners, helping manufacturers strengthen their capabilities while supporting the long-term growth of Michigan's defense industrial base.

"The convergence of defense capabilities and advanced manufacturing is no longer just an industrial objective; it is a national security imperative,” said Jennifer Tisdale, NDIA Michigan Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Partnering NDIA Michigan with SME bridges defense strategy with manufacturing expertise and scale, ensuring that the innovative technologies designed to protect our nation can be built, scaled, and deployed rapidly right here in North America."


About SME
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.

Marirose Albright
Communications Specialist, SME
+1 248-798-2961
malbright@sme.org